One of the more difficult passages, for the average Christian, is John 2:4, where it appears that Y’shua, Jesus, disrespects his mother, by what appears to be a rude and curt response, to his mothers request. Most readers of this text pass over this verse, ignoring the possible negative connotations, taking it on faith that that he did not disrespect her, thereby missing out on a very important lesson and promise.
As a side note, unfortunately, this verse is used, by Atheists and Non-Believers to delegitimize Y’shua's Messianic claim and lead others to doubt the Word of God. However, more avid readers get excited and dig in to determine the true meaning of the passage.
Now, let’s take a look at the verses leading up to John 2:4 and see if we can gleam the actual truth of the text.
Most English versions translate the text of John 2:1-6 like this:
On the third day,
a
wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.
Jesus’ mother was there,
and Jesus
and
his disciples
had also been invited to the wedding.
When the wine was gone,
Jesus’ mother said to him,
Jesus’ mother said to him,
“They
have no more wine.”
If was at this point, most versions imply that Y’shua responded in a disrespectful and curt manner.
“Woman, why do you involve me?”
Jesus replied.
“My hour has
not yet come.”
How could this be? To show disrespect or to dishonor to your mother would be a violation of the Law and thereby disqualify Y’shua as the true and perfect Lamb of God. Did Jesus violate this commandment and actually sin?
With that said, now, let’s now look at the Word For Word Translation, which gives us look at the actual Greek, word for word, which is used in this passage. I think you’ll find a slightly different perspective revealing what actually conversed between the two.
The Third Day.
There was a wedding celebration, Cana, Galilee.
The Mother of Y’shua happened to be there
and also Y’shua.
Also, his disciples
were invited to the wedding celebration.
The Mother of Y’shua happened to be there
and also Y’shua.
Also, his disciples
were invited to the wedding celebration.
The wine ran out.
The Mother of Y’shua said to him,
“Have no wine.”
But Y’shua said to the same woman,
“Why Me and
You?"...
"My time has not yet come.”
To reiterate, almost every single English translation has Y’shua, Jesus, responding abruptly and curtly with, “Woman, what has this got to do with me?...My time has not yet come.“, but in reality, the text doesn’t reflect that tone.
If you will let me, let’s expound on this a little. I can see the wine running out and Mary feeling sorry for the wedding couple. She most likely thought that Y’shua could help with the situation.
In this ancient culture, it is the governor of the celebration who is responsible for the wedding feast and it is the governor and the wedding family, who basically gains or loses respect, based on how the feast is conducted. These strict protocols are a matter of pride, within the Israeli culture and rightly so, Y’shua, maintaining the Law, indicated that it was not their responsibility.
Now, also notice that the English versions, for some reason, leaves out the words, “the same”, in verse four. Why? This is the reason why there is so much confusion. However, The Word For Word Translation includes the words, “the same” showing that the word, “Woman” is not in Y’shua’s actual comment, but actually indicates to whom he was speaking. If the English versions left in the words, “the same”, it would have been translated as:
“The Same Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
Which makes absolutely no sense, therefore, they left it out, which resulted in implying that Y’shua abruptly and rudely, for no reason, reacted like a total jerk and worst of all, showing a total disrespect to his mom and would have Y’shua violating the commandment, “You shall honor your mother and father.”. Bottom line is that the English Versions have Y’shua, Jesus, sinning, which he did not.
Again, in reality, Y’shua, responded to the same woman, his mother, and asks a simple straight forward question, “Why?”. “ Why are you involving us and possibly dishonoring the family?”, being very conscious of his sinless nature and cognitive of the leading of the Spirit, Y’shua then states, “Anyway, my time had not come for me to overtly use the Power of God.
Now, what happens next, is the most intriquing part of this story. Clearly, Mary had no doubt that Y’shua could change the water into wine, for she clearly ignores the fact that it’s possibly not in God’s Plan and turned to the servants and said the following.
His mother said,
“Servants, What certain thing requested of you,
Make it happen.”
Wow!!! If anything, Mary shows a total disregard for how the Spirit is leading Y’shua and continues on with her plan, telling the servants to do whatever Y’shua tells them to do. In my book, that takes some audacity, given her previous experience with God. Big Question Here….Did Mary Blatantly Sin??? From where I’m standing, that’s a big, “Yes”.
However, what did Y’shua do? According to the Law, he honored his mother, by fulfilling her wish. This is amazing!!! What a Great Lesson into how God operates in this sinful world. Even though we don’t always follow God’s Plan for our lives, he ALWAYS has our backs, even giving things to us, which aren’t according to the Plan.
Not that’s the Lesson to Take To Heart.
…and that’s what you’ll find, When You Search For The Truth.
Shalom!!!
