It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue several days. On this occasion, before the feast ended it was found that the supply of wine had failed. This discovery caused much perplexity and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions, and 146 its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality. As a relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, "They have no wine." These words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus answered, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come."

Dengang var det skik, at bryllupsfestligheder fortsatte i flere dage. Ved denne lejlighed viste det sig, at vinforrådet var sluppet op, før festen var forbi. Denne opdagelse voldte stor bekymring og ærgrelse. Det var noget usædvanligt at måtte undvære vin ved festlige lejligheder, og mangelen ville synes at tyde på svigtende gæstfrihed. Som slægtning af en af familierne havde Maria deltaget i forberedelserne til festen, og nu henvendte hun sig til Jesus og sagde: "De har ikke mere vin." Disse ord rummede et forslag om, at han skulle fremskaffe, hvad de manglede. Men Jesus svarede: "Kvinde! lad mig i fred; min time er endnu ikke kommet "