John 2

Passage overview

John 2 focuses on Jesus’ first public miracle and the incident of cleansing the temple. Verses 1–12 record Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, while verses 13–25 describe Jesus driving out those who were selling goods in the Jerusalem temple. These two events each reveal the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and his distinctive stance toward the world’s customs and religious authority.

1verseThe third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.

2verseJesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the wedding.

3verseWhen the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”

4verseJesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”

5verseHis mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”

6verseNow there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.

7verseJesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

8verseHe said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.

9verseWhen 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

10verseand 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!”

11verseThis beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12verseAfter this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

13verseThe Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14verseHe found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.

15verseHe made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.

16verseTo those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!”

17verseHis disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”

18verseThe Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?”

19verseJesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

20verseThe Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?”

21verseBut he spoke of the temple of his body.

22verseWhen therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

23verseNow when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did.

24verseBut Jesus didn’t entrust himself to them, because he knew everyone,

25verseand because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

The Wedding at Cana: The First Sign

Verses 1–12: Responding to a request from his mother, Mary, Jesus performs the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding feast where the wine has run out. Through this sign, the Gospel of John shows Jesus’ divine power and his love at work in times of need. The disciples also saw this sign and came to believe in Jesus. This symbolizes that Jesus’ ministry fills human shortcomings and gives a new joy.

Cleansing the Temple: Restoring the Essence of Worship

Verses 13–22: As Passover was near, Jesus visited the Jerusalem temple and drove out those who were selling and those who were exchanging money. Through the words, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade,” he emphasizes what the essence of worship truly is. Jesus makes it clear that true devotion and meeting God should come before outward forms or customs.

Jesus’ Identity: Signs and Faith

Verses 23–25: Many people saw the signs Jesus performed and believed, but Jesus knew how deep their faith was and would not entrust himself fully to them. This makes us think about the difference between outward religious belief and genuine faith within. Signs do not merely serve as miracles; they play an important role in revealing Jesus’ identity and the meaning of his ministry.

Meditation Points

  • How do you receive the meaning of the sign Jesus revealed for the first time?
  • You may be able to reflect on whether our worship and religious life are staying only with outward customs.
  • Think about what true faith is, and consider the relationship between signs and belief.

Apply It to Yourself

  • Are you expecting Jesus’ intervention in the midst of your lack and lackings?
  • Check whether the place of worship and faith that you offer comes from a true heart and passion.
  • Reflect on whether the foundation of faith is not in signs or what is visible, but in Jesus himself.