Turning Water To Wine
Examining the Characters in the Miracle
1. Jesus
John 2: On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
In John 2:1-11, we see Jesus attending a wedding celebration with his disciples. When the host runs out of wine. Mary, Jesus’ mother, brings this issue to his attention, and although Jesus initially seems reluctant to intervene, he eventually performs a miracle by turning water into the finest wine. This act of generosity and abundance reveals Jesus’ desire to bring joy and blessings to those around him. Inviting Jesus into various aspects of your life, whether celebrations or struggles, can bring a divine dimension to your everyday experiences.
We can learn several important lessons from this story. Firstly, we see Jesus responding to a practical need with compassion and action. He is not only concerned with spiritual matters but also with the physical well-being of those around him. This should give us the confidence that Jesus is compassionate about our details and will respond to our requests. It should also challenge us to consider how we can show love and care for others in our daily lives.
Secondly, the miracle of turning water into wine highlights Jesus’ power over nature and his ability to bring about transformation in seemingly impossible situations. Your body is part of His creation He has the power to transform any part of your body that needs correction. He has the power to transform a person into another person. 1 Samuel 10:6.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, Lord of all creation, I come before You today, Lord, I thank You for the reminder that Jesus cares for all aspects of my life, both spiritual and physical. I am grateful that in moments of need, just as Mary brought the concern of the wedding to Jesus, I too can bring my worries and needs to You, trusting in Your compassionate heart and mighty power.
I ask, dear God, that You help me emulate Jesus’ example of love and kindness in my own life. May I be attuned to the needs of those around me, responding with generosity and a willing spirit. Guide me in showing Your love in practical ways, being a source of joy and blessing to others.
I recognize and affirm Jesus’ authority over nature and His ability to transform the impossible into the possible. Lord, I pray for the areas in my life where I need transformation. (mention them). For health issues I may be facing, I ask for Your healing touch upon my body, knowing that You can mend and restore. For situations that seem unchangeable, I trust in Your transformative power, believing that You can change hearts and circumstances according to Your will.
Remind me, Father, of the truth found in 1 Samuel 10:6, that You can transform me for Your purposes. May I be open to the changes You wish to bring in my life, allowing You to mold me into the person You desire me to be.
In all things, I give You glory, Lord Jesus, for Your miracles, Your compassion, and Your unfailing love. Help me to always trust in You, to seek You in every situation, and to rest in the knowledge that You are with me, caring for me in every aspect of my life.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
Let us engage in spiritual warfare through prayer:
Father, I recognize that powers and principalities resist Your transformative work in me. In the authority of Jesus Christ, I pray against any such forces that may be hindering Your will and Your transformation in my life (or loved ones).
I rebuke any spirit of doubt, fear, unbelief, or resistance that is trying to keep me from fully embracing the changes You desire to make in me. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, I shall condemn, for this is my heritage as a servant of the Lord (Isaiah 54:17).
God, I ask for the strength to stand firm in my faith, to resist the devil so that he will flee from me (James 4:7). I put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).
I pray for the renewing of my mind, that I may discern Your good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). Let Your truth penetrate my heart and uproot any lies or deceptions that have taken hold.
Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may walk in Your ways and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. I pray for a deeper understanding of Your love and power, for I know that through You, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).
Lord, I surrender myself to You. Work in me, mold me, and use me for Your glory. I declare that Your transformation in my life is manifesting right now, and no power can stand against Your divine will.
Thank You, Father, for Your unfailing love and the victory I have in Jesus Christ. I pray this believing and declaring that great things are happening in me, through me, and around me.
In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
2. Mary
John 6: 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
In the story, Mary is portrayed as a woman of faith and action. She notices the need at the wedding feast in Cana when the wine runs out and does not hesitate to bring the issue to Jesus’ attention. This demonstrates Mary’s compassion and concern for others, as well as her belief in Jesus’ ability to perform miracles.
Mary’s words to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” are a powerful example of faith and obedience. She trusts in Jesus’ authority and instructs others to follow his commands. We can learn from Mary’s faith and willingness to surrender to God’s will.
Mary’s role as an intercessor in this story is noteworthy. She advocates on behalf of the wedding hosts and seeks a solution to their problem. This demonstrates the importance of prayer and seeking God’s intervention in difficult situations.
As we delve deeper into the exegesis of the specific verses in John 2:1-11, we can see how Mary’s actions set the stage for Jesus’ first public miracle. Her faith, obedience, and intercession pave the way for the transformation of water into wine and reveal Jesus’ divine power and glory.
I am persuaded that as Watchers, many marriages will begin to experience joy and transformation if we take up the mantle of intercession and present their cases before God in prayer.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, just as Mary noticed the need at the wedding and brought it to Jesus’ attention, I pray for a heart that is sensitive to the needs around me. Grant me the compassion and concern that Mary had, that I may not hesitate to bring the issues I perceive before You, trusting in Your power and provision.
Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” God, help me to emulate her unwavering faith and obedience. Teach me to trust in Your authority and to follow Your commands with a willing heart. In my daily walk with You, let me be attentive to Your voice and quick to act upon Your instructions.
I recognize Mary’s role as an intercessor in this story and the importance of her advocacy on behalf of others. Lord, I pray for the grace to be an effective intercessor, especially for marriages that need Your touch. May I be a conduit of Your love and power, bringing before You the concerns and needs of couples, praying for joy, unity, and transformation in their relationships.
And so Heavenly Father I present the following marriages before you – Pray for marriages. If you don’t know any pray for the marriages of Watchers.
Here is my sample prayer:
Lord God, I stand in the gap as an intercessor for marriages and relationships that are facing challenges and hardships. Just as Mary noticed the need at the wedding and brought it to Jesus’ attention, I lift up every struggling couple before You. I pray against every spirit of discord, misunderstanding, and strife that seeks to undermine the sanctity of marriage.
In the authority of Jesus Christ, I rebuke every plan of the enemy against these holy unions. I declare that no weapon formed against these marriages shall prosper. I pray for a hedge of protection around every husband and wife, guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
God, grant couples the compassion, understanding, and patience. Fill them with Your love, which is patient and kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude. May Your love be the foundation upon which every marital decision is made.
I echo Mary’s directive, “Do whatever He tells you.” Lord, guide these couples to be obedient to Your Word. May they seek Your wisdom in every situation and choose to walk in Your ways. Let their homes be a testament to Your faithfulness and a beacon of hope to others.
I pray for a miraculous transformation in troubled marriages, (mention the ones you know) just as Jesus transformed water into wine. Bring restoration where there is brokenness, understanding where there is confusion, and harmony where there is conflict.
May I be diligent in prayer and steadfast in faith, trusting in Your ability to turn situations around for Your glory.
In the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
Just like Mary, may my faith, obedience, and intercession be instrumental in setting the stage for the miraculous in the lives of those I am praying for.
Lord, As Watchers, I am persuaded that as we take up the mantle of intercession, as Mary did, many marriages and relationships will begin to experience a new wave of joy and transformation. I pray that You guide us, use us, and work through us to bring about positive changes in the lives of those around us.
Thank You, Father, for the example of Mary and the lessons we can learn from her. I pray that her qualities of faith, obedience, and advocacy be reflected in my life, and that I can be a vessel of Your love and power in this world.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
3. The Disciples
John 2: 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
John 2: 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.”
The disciples were a crucial part of this miraculous event, as they were the ones who witnessed it firsthand and were able to testify to the power and glory of Jesus.
The disciples were not just passive observers in this miracle; they were actively involved in the process. Jesus instructed them to fill the jars with water, and they obeyed without question. Their faith and obedience were essential in bringing about this miraculous transformation from water to wine.
Through the disciples’ actions, we see the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing the miraculous power of God in our own lives. Like the disciples, we are called to trust in Jesus and follow His instructions, even when they may seem unconventional or difficult. Is it not a wonderful thing that Jesus asked them to fetch water and take it to the master of ceremony? The disciples did not say “Jesus this is water, they just obeyed.
The disciples also serve as examples of the kind of relationship Jesus desires to have with each of us. They were not just followers or acquaintances of Jesus; they were His close companions and confidants. Jesus shared His glory with them, revealing His power and divinity in a tangible way.
As Watchers, we can learn from the disciples’ example and strive to deepen our relationship with Jesus. By following Him faithfully, trusting in His power, and experiencing His miracles in our own lives, we can become true disciples of Christ, bearing witness to His glory and spreading His love to others.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, Almighty, and Everlasting God, I thank You for the disciples, who were not merely passive observers but active participants in Your miraculous works. Their willingness to obey Jesus’ instructions without question, even when it seemed unconventional, is a powerful testament to the kind of faith and obedience You desire from us. Help me, Lord, to embody this same spirit of unquestioning obedience and trust in You.
Teach me to be attentive to Your guidance and willing to act upon Your word, knowing that my faith and actions can be a conduit for Your power and glory.
I ask for the grace to become a true disciple of Christ, bearing witness to Your glory in all I do. May my life be a testament to Your love and power, inspiring others to seek You. Help me to spread Your love and light in this world, just as the disciples did, transforming lives through the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Lord, I pray for all Watchers, that we may all strive to deepen our relationship with Jesus. May we follow Him faithfully, trust in His power, and experience His miracles in our lives. Empower us to be ambassadors of Your kingdom, bringing hope, love, and transformation to those around us.
Thank You, Father, for the example set by the disciples, and for the lessons we can learn from their faith and obedience. May we walk in their footsteps, growing ever closer to You, and living out our calling as Your faithful disciples.
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
Let us engage in spiritual warfare through prayer:
Heavenly Father, Mighty Warrior and King of Kings, I stand in the gap, not just as Your child but as a warrior in Your kingdom.
Lord, in the authority of Jesus Christ, I come against any spiritual forces that seek to hinder my walk of faith and obedience. I rebuke every spirit of doubt, fear, and confusion that tries to cloud my understanding and weaken my commitment to follow Your commands. Like the disciples who obeyed Jesus without hesitation, grant me the courage and strength to act on Your Word, even when it challenges my comfort and understanding.
I pray for the breaking of chains that bind Your people from fully experiencing Your power and glory. Lord, release me and my fellow Watchers from any limitations that prevent us from witnessing Your miraculous works in our lives. I declare freedom from any spiritual blindness or deafness that keeps us from recognizing and responding to Your divine guidance.
God, I seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with You, mirroring the disciples’ closeness with Jesus. I pray against any barriers that seek to separate me from this deep communion with You. Let no worldly distraction, no lie of the enemy, no temptation or trial keep me from the profound fellowship You offer.
I call upon Your Holy Spirit to empower us as modern-day disciples, to be bold witnesses of Your love and power. May our lives reflect the transformative work of Your Spirit, drawing others to Your light and truth. Equip us, Lord, to be effective ambassadors for Your kingdom, spreading Your gospel with authority and conviction.
I claim victory over every area of my life and those around me. I declare that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). I proclaim that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against us in judgment shall be condemned (Isaiah 54:17).
Thank You, Father, may we embrace our identity as Your warriors, standing firm in faith, obedient to Your call, and unwavering in our mission to bring Your kingdom here on earth.
In the mighty and victorious name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
4. The Master of the Feast
John 2: 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
In the story of the wedding at Cana, as recounted in John 2:1-11, the master of the feast, also known as the master of ceremonies or the banquet manager, plays a significant role with several key implications.
Firstly, the master of the feast serves as a critical witness to the miracle of turning water into wine. His role is particularly important because he is unaware of the source of the new wine. This lack of awareness underscores the authenticity of the miracle when he tastes the wine and approves of its quality. His reaction, therefore, serves as an unbiased testament to Jesus’ power and the authenticity of the miracle.
Secondly, there is a notable contrast between the master of the feast and the servants and disciples who are aware of the miracle’s origin. This contrast underscores the faith and insider knowledge of Jesus’ followers, as opposed to those outside His inner circle. It demonstrates that those who follow Jesus have a deeper insight into His divine power and workings.
Additionally, the reaction of the master of the feast provides cultural and social insights. His surprise and commendation for serving the best wine later in the feast (contrary to the usual practice) highlight the importance of hospitality and social customs in ancient Jewish society. This detail adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the societal context in which the miracle occurs.
Furthermore, the master of the feast’s role can be interpreted symbolically. In a broader theological context, he could represent the Old Covenant or the traditional religious leadership, which recognizes something remarkable in Jesus’ actions but does not fully grasp the extent of His divine identity and mission.
Lastly, the master of the feast’s declaration that the best wine was saved for last can be seen as an affirmation of Jesus’ ministry. This suggests that what Jesus brings, in a spiritual sense, is superior to what has come before. It subtly indicates the newness and superiority of Jesus’ message and the New Covenant He inaugurates.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for how You work in miraculous ways, often beyond human understanding. Just as the master of the feast witnessed the miracle of water turning into wine without knowing its divine origin, I pray for the faith to trust in Your unseen hand at work in my life. Help me to recognize and appreciate Your miracles, even when I don’t fully understand how You are moving.
Draw me nearer to You, Lord, that I may grow in faith and gain a deeper understanding of Your divine power and workings.
Grant me the discernment to act in ways that are pleasing to You, while being sensitive and respectful of the people and traditions around me.
Help me to fully embrace the newness of life and superior promises found in Jesus Christ, my Saviour.
I pray that my life may reflect the superior quality of Your work in me, just as the best wine was saved for last. May my actions, words, and thoughts testify to the transformative power of Your love and grace.
In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Let us engage in spiritual warfare through prayer:
In the name of Jesus Christ, I stand against all spiritual blindness and ignorance in my life. Just as the master of the feast was unaware of the miracle’s origin, I rebuke any lack of spiritual discernment in my life. I pray for the eyes of my understanding to be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18), that I may see Your hand at work in all situations, recognizing and celebrating Your miracles, even when their origins are not immediately apparent.
I come against any spirit of distance or detachment from You, Lord. I pray against any barrier that keeps me from deep intimacy and knowledge of You. I desire to be close to You, immersed in Your Word and Your presence, understanding Your ways and purposes.
Father, in Your mighty name, I resist and rebuke the influence of societal norms and cultural pressures that may lead me away from Your will. Grant me the courage and wisdom to stand firm in my faith, maintaining my integrity and Christian witness, even when it goes against the grain of the world around me.
I declare that I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), leaving behind the old ways and fully embracing the new life You have given me. I resist any attempts by the enemy to hold me back in the old way of life, declaring freedom and newness in Christ.
I pray for the manifestation of Your transformative power in my life. Just as the water was turned into the finest wine, I ask for Your miraculous work in transforming my character, circumstances, and relationships. I declare that the best is yet to come in my walk with You and that Your glory will be revealed in and through me.
Thank You, Lord, for the profound lessons from Your Word. May they empower and equip me to be a steadfast warrior for Your kingdom, always ready to advance in faith and obedience.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
Conclusion
Next week, we will analyze the transformation of water into wine. What does water mean? What is the significance of the wine, and why six water jars? This first miracle of Jesus concludes that it manifested His glory, and the disciples believed in Him.
John 2:11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
Every miracle in your life will bring glory to the name of Jesus and cause many to believe in His name.
Please complete your Watch by breaking bread – You can join the live or watch the replay on our YouTube Channel @thewatchersprayerministry. Look for the live tab and watch the replay.
God bless and reward your time in prayer.
Much love
Pastor Tee
