What did Jesus mean by, "What does that have to do with us"?

Bible Question:

I just read the study on the wedding in Cana. I REALLY appreciated it. God is using it in my understanding of His word. Thank you. I have one question. I now understand that the address “woman” is respectful and that “My hour has not yet come” has to do with the fact that the greater work is yet to come. The thing I don't understand is, “What does that have to do with us? ” As if to say, “That's not our problem. ” And that is a sour note to me because it doesn't sound like the loving Jesus I know . . . the One who wants to help with all our problems. I know there is an understanding for me to grasp. Can you help me grasp it?

Bible Answer:

The passage that you refer to is as follows,

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” (NASB) John 2:3-4

We would encourage you to review the study “Wedding At Cana” before reading further. When Mary said, “We have no wine” the context strongly suggested that she did not just want Jesus to help. She wanted Jesus to perform some significant miracle to draw attention to Himself. She saw this as an opportunity for Jesus to make Himself known to the crowd at the wedding.

Jesus’ first comment, “What does that have to do with us?” is a poor translation of the Greek. The literal Greek reads as follows, “What, me and you, woman?” This reveals that Jesus first wondered why she made the statement and then, second, what did she expect? Jesus’ next comment, “My hour has not yet come” reveals that He understood her motive. She wanted Him to do some miracle that was significant enough to draw attention to Him and launch His ministry. His mother did not understand what she was asking. She also demonstrated her lack of respect for Him. He was her God – more than just her human son.

Conclusion:

Mary was disrespectful. She attempted to control Him. Jesus had to make it clear to her that she was not in control and He did so as kindly as He could. He was in an awkward position.