Archaeologists find cave where Jesus performed miracle

Historians have announced that they have identified the site where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine, Fox News reported.

The Bible briefly mentions Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in a place called Cana. This event is considered the first miracle performed by Jesus in Christianity. For centuries, there have been various theories about the actual location of the place called Cana.

Not Kafr Canna, but Khirbet Cana?

For many years, the Israeli town of Kafr Canna has been considered the site associated with this miracle. The 1914 Catholic Encyclopedia also notes that pilgrims considered this place sacred. However, historian Tom McCullough is skeptical and suggests that the real Cana may be Khirbet Cana, located north of Kafr Canna.

McCollough says that the Khirbet Qana area was a Jewish settlement that was active from 323 BC to 324 AD. He taught religious studies and history at Centre College until his retirement in 2017, and is still involved in archaeological research.

Archaeological evidence is a strong case

One of the advantages of Khirbet Qana, he says, is that ancient tunnels and shrines used by Christians have been found there. “We have found a cave dedicated to the miracle of Jesus Christ. This complex was actively visited from the 5th-6th centuries until the Crusades in the 12th century,” the scientist says.

The excavations revealed an altar, shelves for straight-cut stone vessels, and even a wall inscription in Koine Greek that reads “Kyrie Iesou” (“Oh, Jesus, my Lord”).

McCullough notes that the discovery of five humus sites, similar to the six stone vessels mentioned in the Bible, is also an important archaeological finding.

Also consistent with Josephus' sources

McCullough also tried to support his theory with the writings of the famous first-century historian Flavius Josephus. He argues that Flavius Josephus' geographical description is consistent with the location of Khirbet Cana.

"In the Gospel of John, Cana is mentioned as a safe place or center of activity for Jesus, to which he and his disciples returned when they faced threats and opposition in Judea," the scholar concluded.

When archaeological evidence, geographical consistency, and contextual information in the Gospels combine, Khirbet Cana may indeed be the site of Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine. This is an important discovery not only from a historical perspective, but also from a religious tourism perspective.

McCullough and his team plan to further explore the evidence and develop a new approach to one of the most controversial events in the life of Jesus.

Photo: Fox News