George Hutcheson
IN his Chapter we have First, a miracle wrought by Christ in Cana of Galilee, in turning water into wine; the occasion, working and manifestation whereof, with Johns observation upon it, are recorded, to ver. 12. Next, Christs removal to Capernaum, and his short abode there, ver. 12. Thirdly, his going to Jerusasalem, with his purging of the temple there, and his disciples observation upon it, to ver. 18. his conference with the contentious Jewes, whereby also his disciples did profit afterward, to ver. 28. and his carriage towards some who pretended to beleeve; to the end of the Chapter.
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2 And both Jesus was called and his disciples to the marriage.
In recording this first miracle of Christ, John begins with three occasions thereof; The first and remotest is, a marriage-feast, which is described from the place Cana, a village of Galilee lying at least within a dayes journey to Capernaum, as appeareth, John 4.46, 50, 52. Called, of Galilee, to distinguish it from another Cana, or, Kanab, in the tribe of Asher, Josh, 19.24, 28. which lay farther off from Capernaum, being near Zidon: It is also described from the time of it, which was the third day, to wit, after the former conferences mentioned, Chap. 1. or after his coming into Galilee, of which Chap. 1. 43. The second and nearer occasion is, that Christs mother was there; (being, as appeareth, a friend to som of the parties, in that it is not said she was invited, and she is solicitous for the want of wine, ver. 3. and hath some power with the servants, ver. 5.) and that Christ and his disciples were invited to it. Doctrine 1. Christs practice, being now to enter on his publick Ministry, teacheth us not to passe away time, but to be frequently about the employments of our calling; for, he lets few dayes passe but he is manifesting himself openly by word and work. 2. In Christs account Marriage is an honourable Ordinance, to which he will not deny his presence and countenance; for, he is at this Marriage, and honoureth it with his first miracle. 3. Feasting, and better faire then ordinary, and calling of friends together at marriage, are lawful, providing the rules of sobriety, prescribed in the Word to such feasts, be observed: And it is not against Christian sobriety in any person to countenance their kindred or friends in marriage-feast; for, there was a marriage, or marriage-feast, (as the word importeth) wherein they had wine, ver. 3. and the mother of Jesus was there, and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, and they came. 4. Albeit men cannot now have alike occasion of inviting Christ, yet this practice may minde us, 1. That married persons do need, and should seek Christs presence to their marriage. 2. Men in marriage-feasting ought so to carry themselves in the use of their liberty, as they might invite Christ to it, and not to take such prophane liberty, as may provoke him not to countenance them. 3. Such as would be kinde to Christ, and welcome him, ought to prove! it by their kindnesse to his disciples also. 4. Christs working a miracle upon this occasion; teacheth, that in our most chearful and free times, we would be still mindful of doing all to Gods glory, and not omit any occasion of honouring him.
