And when they wanted wine
Or wine was wanting; not through the intemperance of the guests,
rather through the poverty of the family, who were not able to
provide very largely; and it may be by reason of a larger number
of guests than were expected; however, so it was ordered by
Divine Providence, that there might be an opportunity for Christ
to manifest forth his glory:
the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no
wine;
being concerned for the family, lest they should be put to shame
and disgrace, and the entertainment should not proceed with
becoming credit and honour; and knowing the power of Christ to
help in this time of necessity, she modestly moves it to him,
perhaps by a whisper, sitting next him; or, it may be, might call
him out, and just drop the hint; being well persuaded of his
power, as she might; not from any miracles wrought by him in her
family for the support of it, when in distress; for as Christ
wrought no miracle, in the time of his public ministry, for the
support of himself, or his disciples, but for others, it is not
likely he should do it for his family in private life; but from
the wonderful things told her by the angel that brought the news
of her conception, and by the shepherds, and by Simeon and Anna,
which she had laid up in her heart; and from his being the
Messiah, who, according to the general belief of the nation, was
to work miracles; and particularly from the last words of the
preceding chapter; (See Gill on John
1:50): for she might be present at the delivery of them;
and therefore might hope that as this was the first opportunity
that offered after, that he would display his power in supplying
the family with wine in this time of exigence.