New Eve
The miracle at Cana takes place on the seventh day of John’s gospel. It’s a wedding, and it’s “Sabbath.”
If we assume that the fall of Adam took place on the first Sabbath, then the Johannine Sabbath provides some neat parallels and reversals. In particular, this parallel may illuminate Mary’s role: She urges Jesus to provide wine, but Jesus puts her off with “My hour is not yet come.” Jesus is true Adam who waits until the right time to take the fruit of the vine.
Mary is also a true, better Eve. Having told by her Son to wait, she waits, and instructs the servants to do whatever He requires. She is not an impatient Eve, but like the Seed of the Woman waits to receive the cup.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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