Message: Wine of Hospitality / John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

 

         Today, we reflect on a remarkable story from the Gospel of John, where Jesus shows his hospitality by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Before we dive into today’s story, let’s take a moment to talk about the Gospel of John. Except for John, the other three Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke share many similar stories about Jesus’ life and teachings, which is why they are called the Synoptic Gospels. The word “synoptic” comes from a Greek word meaning “seen together.”

John’s Gospel, however, is unique in many ways. It was written later and includes stories not found in the other Gospels, while leaving out some that they have. It also offers a timeline of Jesus’ ministry that differs from the others. For this reason, many biblical scholars believe that the fourth Gospel focuses more on the significance of Jesus Christ as the Saviour for all, rather than on precise historical details. Some scholars, such as those in "the Jesus Seminar," even suggest that the words of Jesus in John may not be historically accurate.

Because of these differences, some people think the Gospel of John less important. However, this is not the right approach. John also offers deep insights into why Jesus is the Christ. If we only try to understand the Bible through a scientific or historical lens, we will miss a lot.

About a century ago, a pastor named Henry E. Fosdick (1878–1969) gave a sermon titled “Shall the Fundamentalists Win?” In it, he criticized Christian fundamentalists for idolizing the Bible and using certain passages to become rigid and exclusive. Thanks to people like Fosdick, many have moved beyond this restrictive perspective on the Bible. Yet, on the other hand, some view the Bible merely as a historical document, overlooking the mystery and wonder of God revealed in it. They can also be seen as another type of fundamentalist, more focused on using intellectual skills and knowledge for their own reputation and power rather than discovering God’s presence.

When we read the Bible, we need both clear thinking, like a scientist, and spiritual inspiration, like a poet, to truly appreciate how God reveals Godself to us. No human language can fully capture who God is. The language of the Bible is like a finger pointing to the moon beyond the clouds. Without the finger, it would be hard to find the moon, but the finger itself is not the moon. In this regard, Fosdick emphasized that we should approach the Bible with an open heart and mind, allowing us to experience God beyond what is visible to human sight. By doing so, we can uncover the deeper truths and mysteries that the Bible points to, and encounter the triune God.

John’s Gospel is important because it reveals who Jesus is as the Saviour of the universe. One way John does this is through the seven signs Jesus performs, which help us understand his identity and what God’s kingdom (kin-dom) is like. Today’s story focuses on the first of these signs.

The story happens at a wedding, a joyful celebration of love and unity. In the Hebrew Bible, marriage is often used as a metaphor for God’s relationship with God’s people. The first Scripture reading today says “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:5).

During the wedding, a crisis arises: the wine runs out. In Jewish culture, wine is an important part of the wedding celebration. There was a tradition where the bride and groom would share a single cup of wine as a promise of their unity (Alfred J. Kolatch. The Jewish Book of Why. 1981. p.41). Starting with the bride and groom, the guests would join in drinking the wine, opening their hearts and sharing in the joy of the moment together. It was a time to set aside worries and celebrate as a community. Therefore, running out of wine could ruin the whole wedding celebration.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, brings the problem to him. Although Jesus seems hesitant at first, he steps in and tells the servants to fill six stone jars with water. John specifically mentions that these jars were used for Jewish purification rites, which provides a clue about their significance.

In the Bible, the number six often means something incomplete or imperfect. Furthermore, by mentioning the jars were for Jewish purification, John might be hinting at something negative. Unlike the other Gospels, John portrays the Jews as hostile ones, likely because it was written at a time when early Christians were facing hatred and discrimination from Jewish communities. In short, John refers to the "six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification" as something negative and hostile. What then was John trying to say through them?

The rites of purification originated from the Law of Moses. One of the key purposes of these rites was to protect the community by distinguishing between "clean" and "unclean" states, helping ensure health and hygiene. For example, individuals with infectious diseases were required to be temporarily isolated to protect others and themselves (Leviticus 13:1-46). These rules were not about religious judgment but rather communal care.

However, some religious leaders had taken certain rules literally and misused them to label and exclude people. By them, the laws given by God as a gift for inclusion and hospitality were turned into tools of hostility. The Gospels show several instances where Jesus debates the Pharisees and scribes over these issues. For this reason, the water in the jars in this story represents a hostile power that divides people based on fundamentalism and legalism.

Jesus transforms the water of hostility into the wine of hospitality. In the Bible, wine is often a symbol of joy, abundance, and welcome. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a feast prepared by God for all people, with “well-aged wines strained clear” (25:6). By turning water into wine, Jesus shows us what God’s kingdom is like. The early church is a great example of this. In Acts, the first followers of Jesus looked like they were drunk after experiencing the Holy Spirit. This powerful moment led them to share everything, eat together, and welcome each other with love. Their homes became places where strangers were treated like family.

It is true that, in reality, judgment is important. Courts are needed to determine what is legally right and wrong, and central banks must set interest rates to regulate the economy. Media and social organizations should monitor governments and authorities, holding them accountable and criticizing any unjust abuse of power or harmful policies. Companies must also set salaries based on employees' abilities.

But the church is not that place. Its purpose is not to judge people by their moral, social, or economic status, but to remind everyone of their inherent worth and their call to return to God. Our congregation should be a safe space where everyone rediscovers the meaning of human existence, something easily forgotten in our daily lives. Our church should be a welcoming sanctuary that reflects the truth that all human beings are created in God’s image, that we are all God’s beloved children, and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us all.

In Les Misérables, Jean Valjean finds his new life through the kindness of Bishop Myriel, who welcomes him and forgives him. When Valjean is caught fleeing with the bishop’s silverware, the bishop gives him silver candlesticks as a gift, saying he forgot to take them. This act of compassion and hospitality transforms Valjean’s life. He becomes a successful businessman and mayor, helping those in need. The following line at the end of the book highlights the key theme of this great novel: "To love another person is to see the face of God.”

Sometimes, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to greet and welcome strangers or newcomers at church. Even Jesus, at first, hesitated when his mother asked him to act. But Jesus eventually turned the water into wine, revealing his power to transform hostility into hospitality. Likewise, let our congregation be like that wedding feast, where everyone is welcomed and God’s love flows abundantly. May we all embody this vision in our lives and in our community.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Rev. Min Hwang

Second Sunday after Epiphany, 2025