The Gospel of John features 7 short stories that offer a sampling of the miracles Jesus performed during his time of public ministry. These were written so that his readers would come to “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing [they] may have life in his name” (John 20:31b).
Here is the plot of the first short story:
Water into Wine (John 2:1-11)
- Setting:
- A wedding in Cana of Galilee. (2:1-2)
- Conflict:
- The wine ran out and Jesus’ mother wanted him to fix the problem- a possible act of faith- but Jesus seemed unwilling to help. (v. 3)
- Rising Action:
- Jesus commanded the servants to fill the water jars and they obeyed. (v. 7)
- He then told them to take the water (“after it had become wine”) to the headwaiter and they obeyed- an act of faith. (vv. 3-9)
- Climax:
- The headwaiter tasted the wine Jesus made. (v. 9)
- Falling Action:
- The headwaiter commented on the quality of the wine to the groom. (v. 10)
- Resolution:
- Jesus revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him. (v. 11)
With Wills 