What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (NIV)

John’s gospel is carefully built around 7 ”signs” performed by Jesus. These point to the Lord’s identity. Furthermore, the evangelist is clear in stating his purpose:

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe  that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (20:30,31).

Years ago, for a season, I did quite a lot of research into this gospel, and I remember one commentator arguing that this first ”sign” speaks of Jesus’ power to transform. Sidlow Baxter says that all 7 signs are, in one way or another, about transformation.

Last year, I read a short biography of William Wilberforce. I found it fascinating as well as inspiring. One detail I didn’t know concerned the influence of John Newton’s friendship and encouragement upon Wilberforce. Newton, who had been a slave trader, was wonderfully converted, experiencing ‘amazing grace’. By the time Wilberforce knew him, Newton was a church minister and faithful. There is no doubt that Jesus changes lives.

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)