Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The third day of a wedding celebration took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and she had invited him along with his disciples.

As the party went on, they ran out of wine. His mother approached Jesus and said, "They've come to an end without any wine." He responded to her, "Woman, what concern is it of mine? My time hasn't yet arrived."

His mother turned to the servants nearby and instructed them, "Whatever he tells you to do, just do it." There were six large stone jars standing by, which the Jewish people used for ritual purification. Each one held two or three measures of water.

Jesus told the servants, "Fill these jars with water," so they filled them all the way up to the brim. Then he said, "Now draw some out and take it to the man in charge of the celebration." They did as instructed, taking the water to him.

When the ruler of the feast tasted the water that had been transformed into wine, he didn't realize where it came from, although the servants who drew the water knew. He called for the groom and said, "Ordinarily, people serve the fine wine first, but you've saved the good stuff until now."

This was the beginning of Jesus' miraculous works in Cana of Galilee, where he revealed his glory to those who followed him. They began to put their faith in him.

After that event, Jesus went down with his mother, brothers, and disciples to live in Capernaum for a brief period. The Jewish Passover was approaching, so he traveled up to Jerusalem.

As he entered the temple complex, he saw people selling oxen, sheep, and doves. Money changers were sitting there as well. Jesus took some cords, fashioned a whip, and drove out everyone in the temple – both the animals and the money changers – pouring out their coins and overturning the tables.

He ordered those who sold the doves to get rid of their items and not turn his Father's house into a marketplace. His disciples remembered a passage that said, "The zeal for your house has consumed me."

Some Jews responded, "What sign can you show us that you have authority to do these things?" Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple, and I will rebuild it in three days." They questioned him, pointing out that the current temple had taken forty-six years to build – how could he possibly raise it up in just three days?

But Jesus was actually referring to his own body. When he was raised from the dead, his followers recalled what he'd said and trusted both Scripture and the words he spoke.

While Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover festival, many people believed in him because they saw the miracles he performed. However, Jesus didn't put his trust in them; instead, he understood that everyone is flawed and can be deceived.

Jesus didn't need anyone to testify on his behalf, as he knew exactly what people are like – their hearts and minds.