The Wedding at Cana

INTRODUCTION
The miraculous sign of the wedding at Cana points to a deeper meaning beyond the miracle itself. Scholars generally associate the numerous images and symbols in John 2:1-11 with the end-time prophecy and fulfillment of these events at the future coming of Jesus the Messiah. Thus, a common understanding of the narrative focuses on prophetic imagery of the glory of Christ that will be revealed in the future Kingdom. However, this book ascertains that the account of the wedding goes beyond its future prophetic symbolism by using the same images to explain how to experience the coming glory and Kingdom in our lives today.
In the narrative, several symbols such as water, wedding, and wine are associated with end time events. Water represents purification, which is required for entry into God’s presence in the future Kingdom of Heaven. Wedding and wine are symbols with end-time significance; this is described in the Hebrew Scriptures where a Jewish wedding symbolizes the messianic Kingdom (Isa. 54:1-8; 62:1-5). Jesus Himself uses both a wedding and a banquet to portray His second coming (Matt. 8:11; 22:1-4; Luke 13:29; 14:15-24). In the apocalyptic writings of John, we again see the wedding as a symbol that portrays the messianic fulfillment at Christ’s second advent (Rev. 19:9).
However, the presence of Jesus at the marriage festivities in Cana lucidly portrays not only the future Kingdom but also a realized eschatological vision whereby the future permeates the present. The Kingdom is here and now. The concept of “already and not yet” is distinctly visible.
A primary focus of the miraculous sign at Cana is certainly to reveal Jesus as Christ, the divine Son of God, and the promised Messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures. Nevertheless, the wedding at Cana has even greater significance than the revelation of who Jesus is, the prophetic fulfillment of the messianic Kingdom in the future, and the realized eschatological vision; it is also a symbol of the revelation of the glory of Christ that brought about faith for those who saw the glory. John 2:11 explains, “This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” The miraculous sign gave the disciples a realized preview of the glory and blessings that will be fully revealed when the Kingdom of God is consummated. The wedding guests received a realized foretaste of the glory that will be theirs in the Messiah’s Kingdom. This book will demonstrate not only that the wedding narrative offers a foretaste of the coming glory and Kingdom but also the capability for God’s people to experience the glory and Kingdom in their lives today.
Thus, eternal life does not merely exist in the future; it begins now by receiving the life that is in Christ. The eternal life that Jesus offers is a new life filled with abundant joy and a foretaste of the coming glory that can be experienced now (John 10:10b). Eternal life for the disciples began when they put their faith in Christ, and will be consummated at His return. This book will demonstrate that what the disciples of Jesus had and experienced can be ours as well.
We are living in between the beginning and the end of the Kingdom of God. During this interim period, believers in Christ are called to live life as in the future Kingdom by submitting to the lordship and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. By their knowledge of the future and through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they can celebrate as a present reality the coming consummation of the heavenly reign of Christ. When they respond to this call, a true Christian community will emerge. The glory of Christ will be on display, bringing about a community of the highest order – reconciled people, a restored creation in the presence of the King, and the present experience of the coming glory and Kingdom that Jesus promises.
In essence, the wedding at Cana provides a glimpse of the glory of Christ and serves as a prelude to the glory, which will be revealed in the future Kingdom. Additionally, it also shows us how to experience the coming glory and Kingdom in our lives today. We, as believers in Christ, can experience the glory and Kingdom now if we choose to live a life under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

I. THE WEDDING AT CANA IS CHRISTOLOGICAL AND PROPHETIC OF THE END TIMES WHEN THE GLORY OF CHRIST WILL BE REVEALED.
The wedding at Cana may appear ordinary to the casual reader; however, it carries a profound meaning and significance. The wedding, besides being Christological, is also prophetic of the end times when the glory of Christ will be revealed. It communicates to the readers who Jesus is and at the same time, foretells events to take place in the future Kingdom. More importantly, it also shows us how to experience the Kingdom and the glory of Christ in our lives.