John 2 - New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

2:1 Cana of Galilee was located about 8 miles northeast of Nazareth. According to 21:2, Cana was the home of Nathanael.

2:4 The title woman does not convey a lack of respect or affection. It was used in addressing people of rank. Some think Mary wanted Jesus to take this occasion to present Himself openly as the Messiah. However, it is not necessary to suppose she meant anything more than that Jesus assist her in arranging for the supplying of the wine by natural means, since many believe this was probably a relative’s wedding.

2:5 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

2:11 As a sign, the miracle was not meant to draw attention to itself; rather, it was intended to demonstrate the power and glory of Jesus. All the miracles related by John testify to the deity of Christ.

2:13–17 This event took place at the holiest site in Israel and at the most solemn time of the year, when pilgrims thronged Jerusalem. The synoptic Gospels record a second cleansing of the temple near the end of Jesus’ ministry. Interpreted in the light of the messianic prophecy of Ps. 69:9 (v. 17), the incident strengthened the conviction of the disciples that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. See note on Matt. 21:12.

2:20 Herod the Great undertook a massive expansion and beautification of the temple in 20 B.C., so it was now about A.D. 26.

2:23–25 Jesus’ knowledge of human nature pierces the superficiality of faith in Him on account of His miracles.

2:23 The Passover: See text and notes on Ex. 12:1–11. Many believed in His name: Since the “name” represents the person, no qualitative difference exists between this expression and “believes in Him” (3:16).