Gospel of John
Chapter II

King James Bible Text

Study Notes Commentary

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Verse 1 Must be a gathering of the relatives!

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Verse 2 There’s a party going on!
 

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Verse 3 What do you think Mary wants Jesus to do about the wine? Do you think she already knows about Jesus’ "works?"

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

Verse 4 Jesus tells Mary, "It’s not time for me yet." What is He talking about?
 

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

Verse 6 Purifying was a Jewish religious custom. Unless they washed their hands often, they didn’t eat! Firkins were big jars – 20 or 30 gallons!
 

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

 

Verse 7 Now it is time for Jesus to work a miracle! Do you wait for God’s voice to direct you and guide you? He will! God’s Voice speaks to you all through the day! Be patient and listen to His voice! He will direct you very clearly – just ask Him!

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
 

Verse 8 Jesus tells the servants to bring out the water pots now and carry them to the headwaiter of the feast! The servants do as they are told!
 

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

Verse 9 The head of the wedding party tasted the "water turned into wine" and knew it was wine, and he didn’t know where it had come from! Ha! But the servants know of Jesus’ miracle! Now the governor of the wedding party calls in the bridegroom!
 

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

Verse 10 He wants to know, "What’s the trick here? – why is this the good wine? Everyone knows that the good wine is put out first, and then the cheap stuff is served after everyone is drunk and can’t tell the difference!"
 

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Verse 11 This is Jesus’ first miracle! He realizes His gift from God (to work miracles) and uses it! Do you realize your gifts from God and use them?
 

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Verse 12 Brethren comes from the idea of having the same father. It can also mean companions.

13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
 

Verse 14 The Old Testament law required sacrifices to God of oxen, sheep and doves! They were sold in the outer part of the temple, where moneychangers changed money into local money, payable to the temple priests!

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

Verse 15 A scourge is a whip. Jesus is "charged up" over the way the temple is being used as a market place! He sort of lost His cool, you might say! He is showing His humanness, and that as a man he’s just like you! Yet, He sees that a correction must be made here.

16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

Verse 16 Jesus is demanding that God’s place of worship (the temple) not be used as a common market place! Do you see why Jesus is so passionate about keeping the House of God (your holy mind) sacred?

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
 

Verse 17 He was filled with zeal (passion) for God, and wanted His house to be used to worship Him, not for the worship of money! You are God’s holy temple! Listen! You worship what you value! What are you worshipping?

18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Verse 18 They say, "What do you mean by this?" Jesus knows God’s gifts cannot be received through the exchange of worldly treasures! He is teaching you that your kingdom is not of this world!

19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Verse 19 Can you guess what Jesus means by "raise up the temple?" The Jews do not understand Him!
 

20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
 

Verse 20 Rear also means raise or build. They think rear it up would be to repair the temple in Jerusalem with bricks and mortar! But this is not about a rebuilding project! What does he mean? Read on!

21 But he spake of the temple of his body.



 

Verse 21 Jesus knows Himself as Spiritual Man, the Son of God. But He’s talking about His physical body, which is only the temple (temporary house) of Spirit! This is about spiritual rebirth – yours! How can this happen? Through prayer! Ask the Holy Spirit for help for yourself! He’s your Guiding Light!

22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Verse 22 Later, after Jesus had resurrected from the dead, His disciples remembered what He had taught them about rebuilding the temple of the spiritual body! There is no death! You are not just a body made of flesh and blood – you are Spirit!

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

Verse 23 Yes – seeing believes! What Jesus says is, "Blessed are those who do not see and still believe!" That is where your faith comes in!
 

Verse 24 Jesus knows how quickly miracles are forgotten in the world! His trust is only in God His Father! "Call no man father!" Trust in God!

25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Verse 25 What is in you? Is it the Christ you share with Jesus? The Christ that is the love of God? Of course it is!