The first miracle Jesus performed was the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana (John 2:1-11). Jesus turned water into wine to prove that He’s the source of life. Changing the water into wine offered a symbol of the new spiritual life Jesus brings to humanity. When we compare the first miracle of Jesus with that of Moses, it gives us insight into the contrast between law and grace. Moses changes water to blood, and Christ changes water into wine.
Jesus is the New Moses
The first public miracle accomplished through Moses is the turning of water into blood (Exodus 7:20).The first miracle of Moses initiated him to be the leader and liberator of the people of Israel. With the turning of water into blood, plagues and destruction came upon the people. It ended with the death of the firstborn’s and the liberation of the people of Israel from the slavery of Egypt. The river of blood brought death to the living beings. As the water ran out, the people looked for water that will give them life, and quench their thirst.
On the other hand, the first miracle Jesus performed was the turning of water into wine. The disciples came to believe in him as they have seen the glory revealed in the miracle. With the first miracle followed a series of life-giving miracles of Jesus, like the multiplication of loaves, healing of the sick and raising of the dead. Through
Jesus’s intervention the wedding guests at Cana were filled with Joy and found a new source for the wine that gives joy to life. Jesus used the water of the stone jars which were used by the Jews for ceremonial
cleansing. This symbolized a transformation in Judaism, even the fulfillment of ceremonial washings. Jesus has fulfilled the rituals and replaced them with something much better; the spiritual cleansing of Jesus’ blood superseded ritual washings.
John says this miracle was the first of Jesus’ signs. Signs are not only mere miracles but also intended to convey a deeper truth that would not otherwise be known. John writes, “For the law was given through Moses, and grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).” Moses’ turning of water into blood suggests judgment (Exodus 7:14-17), while Jesus’ turning of water into wine implies generosity and joy.
The importance of the first miracle
The first miracle of Jesus’ turning water into wine itself is a picture of all that he came to do. Making wine takes time, even few weeks. But for Jesus everything is possible within the split of a second and Jesus demonstrated His power over nature. This shows the power of Jesus and His authority over all creation. Jesus is concerned about us and he is ready to help us in our needs. For those who are worn out, tired, devoid of joy, and thirsting for righteousness, Jesus is powerful enough to banish their fears and to gladden their hearts and to fill until the last. Men can fill water jars; only God can turn water into wine. We are called to do the ordinary normal activity which we can do and when we invite God into our lives what takes months and years for us to achieve, within moments He achieves. Jesus turned water into wine at His mother’s request. We can see that Mary, Jesus’ mother had faith in her Son, when we seek Mary’s intercession, be assured, it is granted.
“He chose to begin the Gospel by this first sign of the changing of water into wine. He chose to end His ministry of preaching by changing wine into Blood. He performed the first miracle at a banquet, and the last, the Eucharist, at another banquet. He changed water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana, and at the Last Supper, which was as the wedding feast of this Sacred Spouse, He, transformed bread into His Flesh and wine into His Blood.”
~St. Francis de Sales.