John 2:4

Woman. In the Orient a customary, dignified, and respectful form of address (ch. 19:26; cf. DA 146). He who had commanded men to honor their parents (Ex. 20:12; cf. PP 366) was Himself a living example of the principle. For 30 years He had been a loving, obedient, attentive son (see on Luke 2:51, 52; cf. DA 147).

What have I to do with thee? Literally, “What to you and to me?” The expression implies that the one thus addressed has exceeded the bounds of what properly concerns him (see Judges 11:12; 2 Sam. 16:10; 1 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 3:13; 2 Chron. 35:21; Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; Luke 8:28; etc.). That Mary did not understand Jesus’ reply as a refusal is evident from her instructions to the servants (see John 2:5). She was satisfied that Jesus would supply the need in His own good time and way. Throughout His private life in Nazareth, Jesus had honored the authority of His mother; in fact He ever remained a dutiful son in the sphere where that relationship properly prevailed (see ch. 19:26, 27). But now He was no longer a private individual, and Mary did not appreciate fully the limits this placed on her authority over Jesus. She might feel she had the right, in some degree at least, to direct Him in His mission (see on Matt. 12:46-50). Accordingly, in these clear-cut but courteous words Jesus sought to make clear to her the distinction between His relation to her as the Son of man and as the Son of God (DA 147). His love for her was unchanged, but now He must labor from day to day under the direction of His heavenly Father (see DA 208; see on Luke 2:49).

As with Mary and Jesus, parents today often find it difficult to relax, and eventually relinquish, authority over their children, in order that the latter may gain experience in meeting the problems of life for themselves and learn to accept responsibility for their decisions. Wise are the parents and fortunate the children when this transition of authority takes place naturally and without friction.

Mine hour. Compare chs. 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20; etc. Mary apparently hoped that Jesus would, upon this occasion, proclaim Himself the Messiah (see DA 145), but the time for such an announcement had not arrived (see on Mark 1:25). There was an appointed time for each event in His life (DA 451; see on Luke 2:49). Not until the very close of His ministry did Jesus publicly claim to be the Messiah (see on Matt. 21:1,2), and because of this claim He was crucified (Matt. 26:63-65; Luke 23:2; John 19:7; see on Matt. 27:63-66). Not until the night of the betrayal did Jesus say, “My time is at hand” (Matt. 26:18; cf. John 12:23; 13:1; 17:1).