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.

The Wedding at Cana: Jesus' First Sign

1
The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Yeshua’s mother was there. ​
2
Yeshua also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
3
When the wine ran out, Yeshua’s mother said to him, “They have no wine.” ​
4
Yeshua said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.” ​
5
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
6
Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. ​
7
Yeshua said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim.
8
He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
9
When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,
10
and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” ​
11
This beginning of his signs Yeshua did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. ​
12
After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. ​

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

13
The Passover in Judea was at hand, and Yeshua went up to Jerusalem. ​
14
He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. ​
15
He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables. ​
16
To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!” ​
17
His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.” ​
18
The Judeans therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?” ​
19
Yeshua answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ​
20
The Judeans therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?” ​
21
But he spoke of the temple of his body. ​
22
When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Yeshua had said. ​

Jesus Knows What is in Man

23
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. ​
24
But Yeshua didn’t trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, ​
25
and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself 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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