John 2:1-5

John 2:1-5:

This passage describes the beginning of Jesus’ first public miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. 

On the third day after calling his disciples, Jesus, his mother Mary, and the disciples attend the celebration. 

When the wine runs out—an embarrassing shortage for the hosts—Mary approaches Jesus and says, “They have no wine.” 

Jesus responds, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come,” indicating the timing of his full revelation is not immediate. 

Undeterred, Mary turns to the servants and instructs them: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” 

This sets the stage for the miracle where Jesus will command the servants to fill water jars, turning ordinary water into the finest wine, revealing his glory.

Charles H. Spurgeon, focusing on the key verse John 2:5:

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” … In a word, it is to obey. You who belong to Christ, and are his disciples, take heed to this word of exhortation, ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ … Mary does not say to these people, ‘Put down those pots, leave off carrying those dishes;’ but while they continue to do what they were doing, she says to them, ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ … I want you to obey them [Christ’s commands]. 

That is pretty strong from John Wesley; but from our Lord Jesus Christ it comes most suitably. He does not want us to get altering, and mending, and touching up, and looking at consequences. No; do exactly what he tells you, and you have nothing to do with the consequences.”

Spurgeon emphasizes Mary’s words as a timeless call to simple, unqualified obedience to Christ’s commands, without hesitation or second-guessing.

Reflection:These verses model humble, trusting obedience in the Christian life, even when God’s timing or methods seem unclear. Mary’s faith leads her to intercede and then direct others to follow Jesus unquestioningly, while the servants’ immediate compliance becomes the means through which Christ’s glory is revealed. In our daily walk, this encourages believers to submit fully to Christ’s Word—whether in ordinary duties, trials, or service—without demanding explanations or altering instructions. Such obedience, rooted in trust that his “hour” and ways are perfect, transforms the mundane (like filling water jars) into vessels of divine blessing, abundance, and joy, deepening our faith as we experience his provision and power in unexpected ways.