Why does the Messiah Jesus make a round trip between Bethany and Nazareth shortly after returning to Bethany to be with John the Baptist (John 1.43)?
The available information suggests that he knew of an imminent wedding in his family and intended to attend it. This could explain his sudden departure from Bethany. It seems that he knew the date of this event before leaving Nazareth to be baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3.13).
In conclusion, the next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee in order to attend the wedding at .
Weddings at that time were considered important community events that included many guests. However, it seems financially difficult to invite all the surrounding villages.
It is mainly for this reason that we assume that Mary and her children were invited to this wedding. Moreover, she plays a particular role at this event, since it is to her that the shortage of wine is first reported (John 2.3).
All these elements lead us to conclude that the family of the Messiah Jesus is directly involved in this marriage.
Why should we consider Nathanael to be the bridegroom?
John 21.2 indicates that Nathanael is from . He is present at the wedding, perhaps as a disciple of Jesus, but probably as the husband of a half-sister of Jesus. This hypothesis would explain at and the importance given to the conversion of Nathanael.