John 2:5

Commentary on John 2:5 (KJV)

The verse John 2:5 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Wedding at Cana, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and His first recorded miracle. It captures the profound trust and wisdom of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she instructs the servants.

Context

This verse is set during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus, His disciples, and His mother, Mary, are guests. When the wine runs out – a significant social embarrassment for the hosts in ancient Near Eastern culture – Mary approaches Jesus with the problem (John 2:3). Although Jesus' initial response might seem distant (John 2:4), Mary's instruction to the servants immediately following this exchange reveals her unwavering faith in her son's ability to act. This sets the stage for Jesus to turn water into wine, His first public "sign" (John 2:11), demonstrating His divine glory.

Key Themes

• Unquestioning Obedience: Mary's words, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]," serve as a timeless principle for all who follow Christ. It is a direct call to absolute and immediate obedience to Jesus' commands, regardless of how unconventional or illogical they may seem.
• Faith and Trust: Mary demonstrates remarkable faith in Jesus' authority and power. She doesn't dictate a solution but places the entire situation in His hands, trusting that He will provide, even before any specific instruction is given. This highlights the importance of trusting God's plan and timing.
• Preparation for Divine Action: Mary's instruction prepares the way for Jesus' miracle. Her words effectively tell the servants to be ready to participate in God's work by simply following His directions, illustrating that human cooperation (obedience) often precedes divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "do [it]" is poiēsate (ποιήσατε), an aorist active imperative verb. This form conveys a sense of urgency and demands a definitive, immediate action, not just a passive hearing or consideration. It’s a command to "do it fully" or "perform it." This emphasizes that Mary is not merely suggesting, but firmly directing the servants to execute whatever Jesus instructs without hesitation or question.

Practical Application

John 2:5 offers a profound lesson for Christian discipleship today. Just as the servants at the wedding were told to obey Jesus without question, believers are called to listen to and act upon Christ's teachings. This verse encourages us to:

• Listen Intently: Pay close attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the teachings found in Scripture.
• Obey Fully: Be ready to act on what Christ says, even if the instructions seem simple, unusual, or beyond our understanding. As Matthew 7:21 reminds us, true discipleship involves doing the will of the Father.
• Trust the Outcome: Understand that when we obey Jesus, He is capable of bringing about miraculous solutions and divine provision, turning our "water" (our ordinary resources or challenging situations) into "wine" (extraordinary blessings and glory).

Mary's simple yet powerful instruction remains a foundational principle for experiencing God's power and provision in our lives.