Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John—the wedding at Cana. This episode unpacks the theological significance of John's "Book of Signs" and what it means that Jesus inaugurates his public ministry not with fasting or wilderness temptation, but with overflowing wine at a celebration.

Key Themes Explored:

* The Book of Signs: Understanding John's unique structure (chapters 1-12) and how the seven signs point to Jesus' identity and the grace he offers

* Grace Upon Grace: How the abundance at Cana—six stone jars holding 20-30 gallons each, filled to the brim with the best wine—embodies John 1:16's promise of grace upon grace

* Honor and Shame: The cultural context of first-century Palestinian weddings and how Jesus' intervention saves a family from public disgrace

* The Role of Jesus' Mother: Mary's unique presence in John's Gospel, appearing only at the beginning and end of Jesus' public ministry, and her profound recognition of who Jesus is

* Signs vs. Miracles: Why John calls these events "signs" (σημεῖα) rather than miracles—they point beyond the act itself to reveal God's presence and power

Why This Matters for Preaching:

The hosts discuss how this narrative offers multiple homiletical directions: the experience of abundance in our lives, the removal of shame through Christ's compassion, and the call to "do whatever he tells you"—a pattern that continues throughout John's Gospel where obedience to Jesus leads to transformation and abundance.

Karoline Lewis brings her expertise in Johannine literature to illuminate how this first sign sets the pattern for Jesus' entire ministry in John and how it differs significantly from the synoptic gospels' approach to Jesus' early ministry.