The master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” - John 2:9-10 (ESV)
This seems to be a case of mistaken identity, or at least a misplaced comment. What is also curious is that the comment is about social norms and the virtues of various wines. The whole thing seems a bit unnecessary. Yet here it is, taking up the better part of two verses.
(1) The comment:
Common sense tells us that the first impression is usually the lasting impression and, therefore, most people put out the best first. While the master of the feast is taking about the wine, the comment is really about Jesus. In this instance however, the best is the last. God's best - temple, high priest, prophet, king, kingdom, covenant, etc. - is now seen here in the coming of Christ.
(2) The bridegroom:
While the master of the feast congratulated the wrong person, at least he got the category right. The bridegroom was responsible. It just wasn't the guy in the tux (or black-tie robe). It was the real bridegroom, Christ. This connection is reinforced in the next chapter by John the Baptist's comment on Jesus increasing while he decreases (John 3:29-30).
This miracle concludes with two important words. The first is manifested. The point of this whole ordeal and miracle was to show people something. Some people think the point was to show Jesus' views on wine, others think it was to show that Jesus doesn't let you down during crunch time (crunch time here = not having enough for the guests). But Jesus was displaying His glory. In a big way, Jesus was showing people who He really was. Much like when Moses (after the golden calf incident) asked to see God's glory, God revealed Himself (Exodus 34).
The second important word is the word believed. The result of this manifestation was belief among the disciples. Do we see Him as a fancy bartender/vendor or do we see Him as someone that we should place our hope in? While Jesus may be handy to have around (especially if you do a bunch of catering), is He worth leaving everything behind?
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