38. Water Turned to Wine

Jesus' disciples followed him almost everywhere he went. They listened and learned about God from him, so they could help spread the good news to other people.

Mary, Jesus' mother, went with him one day to a wedding being held in the village of Cana. After the ceremony, everyone joined in a big celebration that was like a reception. The host served wine, a custom in those days.

Not long after the party began, the servants discovered they were out of wine. Mary heard them and turned to Jesus. "They have no more wine," she said.

"What can I do, Mother?" Jesus said to her. "It is not yet time for me to do miracles."

But Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus asked them to do.

Jesus saw six pots sitting next to the door. They were the pots the Jewish people used to hold water for the purification ceremony before a meal.

"Fill these with water," Jesus told the servants.

When they obeyed, Jesus told them to take a cupful over to the chief steward. The steward took the cup to his lips.

'"I thought you served the best wine first," he then said to the bridegroom, "but this is far better than anything else we've drunk this evening."

The disciples were amazed by what they saw. Their teacher had performed a miracle by turning water into wine. Only a few people at the wedding realized what Jesus had done. Soon news of his miracles spread across the land, and people came from far and near to see him.

(end of section)