When Jesus turned water into wine at Cana, he was conveying something much more important than his enjoyment of a good party. This physical transformation was symbolic of the far more important spiritual transformation of which only he is capable of performing. Here are 6 parallels between this first miracle, and the miracle of spiritual regeneration.
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Necessary Transformation – Why is a transformation necessary? Because you were utterly helpless to do anything to change your own nature, just as the jars of water could not decide to turn themselves into wine.
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God-initiated Transformation – Jesus did not need to be told that the wine had run out; he planned for the wine to run out. He set up the situation to demonstrate his miraculous power, beginning his ministry by proving that he has the power to regenerate souls. This is God taking a Christian-killer named Saul, knocking him to the ground, blinding him, and telling him “I am Jesus, get up and you’ll be told what to do!”
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Miraculous Transformation – Jesus told the disciples to fill the jars up to the brim with water. This demonstrates that Jesus did not tamper with the jars beforehand, because someone else filled them up, and they left no room for tampering. He instantly transformed them, making an equivalent of 600-900 bottles of wine!
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Concealed Transformation – This miracle was done behind the scenes of the wedding, it was not the centerpiece for all to see. Similarly, regeneration is not something that can be seen and pinpointed.
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Quality Transformation – John 2:10 clarifies that this was high quality wine. Jesus’ miracles are not just enough to get by, they are done to fully accomplish his purpose to the utmost extent. When God saves us, he does not save us just enough, he saves us for eternity and nothing else is needed.
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Privileged Transformation – Jesus could have performed the miracle for all to see, but he chose to show it to a privileged few. Matt. 7:13 reminds us that there are only a few people that find the way of life. Regeneration is a special privilege that we should be thankful for every day.
Jesus, showing himself to be fully God by His miraculous power, is beginning his ministry by proving He has the power to regenerate souls. The biggest question is not do you understand why Jesus turned the water into wine, but rather has MY heart been transformed by Christ?
