Art Linkletter once asked a little girl what her favorite Bible story was. She answered that it was when Jesus turned water into wine. Then he asked her what lesson we can learn from that story. She replied, “When you run out of wine, get down on your knees and pray!”

I think that there are probably better lessons to learn from this episode from the life of Jesus, recorded in John 2.

By attending the wedding, Jesus places his seal of approval on the God-ordained institution of marriage. Marriage was given to mankind for our benefit (Gen.2:24), and it later became a beautiful illustration of Christ’s love for the church (Eph.5:25-33). Any attempt to redefine marriage or to diminish it in any way must be seen for what it really is—a rebellion against God.

At some point in this wedding celebration the wine ran out. This would be a terrible embarrassment for the host of the party. This led Mary, the mother of Jesus, to point out the problem to him. This causes us to suspect that Mary may have shared some responsibility for the provisions for the wedding party. Her statement carries with it the implication that Jesus should do something to alleviate the situation.

Jesus seemed reluctant to get involved. He had just begun his ministry, and his priorities were different from Mary’s. However, he must have given his mother some indication that he would intervene, because she told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. This further supports the suggestion that Mary bore some responsibility for the arrangements for the wedding celebration.

Jesus had the servants fill some large jars with water and draw some water to take to the master of the banquet, who would have to approve of any refreshments to be set before the guests. As this took place, the water became wine, and it was of such good quality that the master of the banquet expressed surprise that the best wine had been saved until then.

The story concludes with the statement that this miracle was the first of the signs through which Jesus revealed his glory, and that his disciples put their faith in him.

So, what lessons might we learn from this Scripture?

First, let’s honor the institution of marriage. While others do their best to tarnish it in some way or dismiss it altogether, let’s give marriage the place of honor it deserves. Heb.13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

Second, let’s understand the importance of prayer and faith. Had Mary not asked Jesus to get involved and trusted the outcome to him, the situation would not have been resolved in such a satisfactory manner.

Third, we must always remember that Jesus has total control over nature since he created it. Jesus has the power to intervene in any and every situation.

Another lesson is that we, just like the servants in this story, should do everything Jesus tells us to do. His commands are not burdensome, and our obedience is proof of our faith in him and our love for him.

Finally, let’s realize that the wonders that Jesus performs are for the purpose of revealing to us his glory so that we will place our trust in him and grow in our faith.