Reading for February 4th

 Read John 2.1-12. In 2.1-12: The wedding in Cana. This story is found only in John. It is the first of two Cana signs (see 4.46-54), both of which are initiated by requests to Jesus. In verse 1: The third day links this incident to the four days of ch 1. The miracle maybe the first example of the "greater things" (1.50) which culminated in the exaltation of the Son of Man. Cana is a small town northwest of Nazareth. In  verse 4: Woman, an abrupt address, is the only way Jesus greets his mother (compare 19.26). She is not named in the Gospel. Hour, elsewhere the time of Jesus' glorification, refers to Jesus' chosen time to act. In verses 6-8: Rites of purification, included ritual cleansing of hands at meals. the quantity and size of the stone jars is unusual and emphasizes the extravagance of the sign. In verse 11: The first; See 4.54. Other signs are mentioned (2.23); they are important enough to be in the summary conclusion (20.30-31). Signs point to the presence of God, acting in Jesus. In verse 12: Capernaum is on the northern shore of the sea of Galilee (see 6.17, 24, 59). Brother; See also 7.3-9. From this point Jesus travels with his disciples (see 3.22). Comments or Questions..