What does John 2:11 mean?
John describes Jesus' miracles as "signs." He chose that word, of many terms in Greek which he could have used, for a reason. Other Greek words mean things such as "strange event," "power," or "wonder." Instead, John uses sēmeion, which literally means "sign:" that which sends a message. Jesus' miracles are specifically meant to prove that He is the Messiah, and the Son of God. The first of these was turning water into wine at a local wedding (John 2:6–10).This verse helps us understand why Jesus performed the miracle, and why it was done so quietly. The gift was for the bride and groom, so they would not be embarrassed. The miracle was for the disciples, so they would believe in Him. Jesus will gradually reveal more of His power to the disciples.
Fictional accounts of Jesus' early life sometimes include dramatic, almost random miracles with spectacular effects. But John makes a point of saying that this was the first miracle Jesus had ever performed. The first plague in God's judgment of Egypt was a transformation of water into blood (Exodus 7:20–21). Jesus' first miracle is a transformation of water into wine—symbolic of blood—but for the sake of grace.
