"They have no wine."
Just as the scarcity of provisions in the wilderness gave Jesus an opportunity to supply the need of a multitude; just as it was permitted that a man should be born blind, "that the works of God should be manifest in him;" so the falling short of the supply of wine at Cans gave an opportunity for the performance by Christ of a beneficent and instructive miracle. And the lesson is one widely impressive and helpful which is thus conveyed concerning human need and Divine grace and supply.
I. GOD LETS MEN WANT. It is a paradox, but it is a truth, that it is for our good to suffer need of many kinds.
1. Thus he teaches us how slender are our resources, and how soon exhausted.
2. Thus it is suggested to us to look without, to look above, for the satisfaction of our desires.
3. Thus it is arranged that, when God interposes upon our behalf, we shall welcome and value his intervention.
II. GOD SUPPLIES MEN'S WANTS AND SATISFIES THEIR DESIRES.
1. He does this at the right moment, when the pressure is heavy enough, but not too heavy.
2. He does this in the exercise of his own power, that the glory may be his.
3. He does this in a gracious and affectionate manner, displaying his sympathy as well as his authority.
III. THE PURPOSES SUBSERVED BY THE SUPPLY OF HUMAN NEED BY DIVINE BOUNTY.
1. All blessings come thus to be regarded as the immediate bestowments of Heaven.
2. And are seen to be the outward revelations of the attributes of the Father's heart.
3. And are the occasion of devout acknowledgment and fervent adoration.—T.