John2

Jesus performs his first miracle at a marriage in Cana of Galilee, turning water into wine and manifesting his glory, leading his disciples to believe. He then travels to Jerusalem for the Passover, where he cleanses the Temple by driving out merchants and money changers. When challenged, Jesus prophesies about raising "this temple" in three days, referring to his own body. Many believe in him due to his miracles, yet Jesus, knowing all men, does not fully entrust himself to them.

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The Wedding at Cana: Jesus' First Sign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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.

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

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

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

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

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;

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

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

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

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

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

But he spake of the temple of his body.

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.

Jesus Knows What is in Man

¶ 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.

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

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

Study Notes for John 2

Verse 1

Cana of Galilee was a village near Nazareth. The phrase 'the third day' likely refers to the third day after the calling of Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43).

Verse 3

The shortage of wine was a major social disgrace in ancient Jewish culture, where hospitality was a sacred duty. Mary’s statement is an implied request for Jesus to use his divine power.

Verse 4

The term 'Woman' (Gk. *gyne*) is a formal, respectful address, not a rebuke. 'Mine hour is not yet come' asserts that Jesus’ actions are governed by God’s timetable for his public, messianic work, independent of familial pressure.

Verse 6

These *waterpots* were used for Jewish ritual purification washing, contrasting the old ceremonial system with the abundant, joyous provision of the new covenant brought by Christ. A firkin held about 8.5 gallons, meaning Jesus produced over 100 gallons.

Verse 10

The ruler’s comment confirms the wine was of the highest quality. The miracle symbolizes the superior quality and abundance of God’s provision in Christ.

Verse 11

John calls this a *beginning of miracles* (Gk. *sēmeia*, 'signs'). John structures his Gospel around seven of these signs, which are meant to reveal Jesus’ divine identity ('manifested forth his glory') and lead people to faith.

Verse 12

Capernaum, a thriving city on the Sea of Galilee, later became Jesus' primary base of operations during his Galilean ministry.

Verse 13

This cleansing occurred early in Jesus’ ministry, establishing his authority at the outset. John focuses on three Passovers, marking the duration of Jesus’ public ministry.

Verse 14

The Court of the Gentiles was misused for commerce (selling animals for sacrifice and changing foreign currency), turning a place meant for worship into a marketplace, often exploiting the poor.

Verse 15

Jesus’ use of a whip demonstrates righteous indignation and physical authority over the corruption of the sacred space. This action was a clear claim to prophetic or messianic authority.

Verse 16

Jesus emphasizes the temple’s true purpose as 'my Father's house,' a title asserting his unique relationship with God.

Verse 17

The disciples recall Psalm 69:9, a messianic psalm expressing intense devotion and suffering for God. This memory confirms Jesus’ action was motivated by divine zeal.

Verse 18

The Jewish leaders demand a sign to validate Jesus' authority to disrupt the temple economy, setting the stage for ongoing conflict.

Verse 19

Jesus shifts the focus from the physical temple to the ultimate sign of his authority: his resurrection. This cryptic statement serves as a prophecy misunderstood until after the event.

Verse 20

Herod the Great began expanding the temple complex in 20/19 BC, meaning it was still under construction during Jesus’ ministry (c. AD 30).

Verse 21

John clarifies that Jesus was speaking metaphorically of the temple of his body. The resurrected Christ replaces the physical temple as the true place where God dwells and where ultimate reconciliation occurs.

Verse 22

The disciples’ post-resurrection understanding of Jesus’ words highlights that the full meaning of Christ’s ministry is revealed through the Holy Spirit after his glorification.

Verse 23

Many believed in Jesus based on the miracles (*sēmeia*). This section contrasts faith based on signs (which is often superficial) with genuine, committed trust.

Verse 24

To 'not commit himself unto them' means Jesus did not entrust his mission to those whose belief was untested and purely based on external wonders, recognizing their lack of genuine spiritual depth.

Verse 25

This verse emphasizes Jesus’ divine omniscience. He possesses perfect knowledge of human nature, motives, and hearts, contrasting his divine insight with the need for human testimony.

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John2

The Wedding at Cana: Jesus' First Sign

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Jesus Knows What is in Man

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