Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so, they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.  (John 2:6-8)

John 2:1-11

The six stone water jars provide further symbolism in this text. According to Bible scholars, the number six signifies imperfection, especially the imperfection of man. The water jars were made of stone that was said to keep the “living water” used for ritual purification free of impurities. Jesus transformed water meant for ritual cleansing into wine.

Notice that St. John was specific about how many gallons of water the jars held; lots of water became plenty of wine. The water jars were “filled to the brim.” God’s presence fills the world “to the brim,” and we are abundantly blessed. Drinking wine from jars used for ritual purification would have been a significant message of spiritual purification to the wedding attendees.

 “Living water” is mentioned multiple times in the Gospel of John. Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) Perhaps the filling of these stone water jars symbolises Jesus, who came to offer divine purification. Jesus came to cleanse our hearts. As much later in John’s Gospel, he said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

Again, we can look to Jesus’ last days. The water that Jesus transformed into wine at the wedding in Cana can be likened to the wine Jesus served at the Last Supper. Wine that would represent the blood of Jesus was spilled during his death on the cross. The blood of Christ that transforms and purifies.

“Christ came to bring in the grace of the gospel, which is as wine, instead of the shadows of the law, which were as water.” Matthew Henry

God’s grace is eternal, and his goodness overflows. Reflect on some of your most significant blessings, giving thanks to God. Ask how your life can be a blessing to God and others.

If you consider the quantity and quality of the wine at the wedding, what does it tell you about Jesus? How can you be more like this?

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

Heavenly Father,
You are a God beyond measure. 
Your love and mercy are abundant, filling our world 

and lives to the brim. 
Help us be more like you, giving our best to others, 
especially the marginalised. 
Amen.
 

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