From the Book, "That You May Believe" John's Purpose for the Miracle of Water into Wine

     In the light of John’s purpose statement, what was the reason John included this miracle in his account of Jesus’s life? John didn’t tell us why, but we see the miracle had its intended impact--“His disciples believed in Him.” In the latter half of chapter one of the book of John, we see Jesus gathering His first group of disciples--Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael and John. John was likely the unnamed disciple in verses 35-40. These men followed Jesus based upon affirmations on their part that He was the Messiah. In fact, Jesus sees Nathanael in the process of believing when He says in verse 50, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” In chapter two, the disciples take the next step, as a result of the miracle, and “believe in Him.” In other words, Jesus authenticated His credentials as the Messiah and they placed their trust in Him.

     Jesus’s life was not merely one of claims. In fact, anyone can make claims about themselves. Jesus took the next step and demonstrated His claims were true by “manifesting His glory” through signs and miracles. We can make the mistake of acknowledging Jesus as merely a historical figure and view His existence intellectually. Just like the disciples, we have to recognize Jesus as more than a person in history. He made claims about Himself that were confirmed by His miracles and the first confirmation was turning water into wine. I trust our faith is the same as the disciples, with a growing commitment based upon the person and work of Jesus Christ.