Sermon Notes:
God is involved in our ________________________ lives:
Jesus shows up at a wedding reception and a crisis occurs – they’re out of __________________! (John 2:1-3)
Jesus responds to his mother’s request – like he would any other woman (or man): God acts within the constraints of his perfect __________________. (John 2:4-5)
God is less interested in __________________________________ than the lives of his children:
Jesus turns ceremonial vessels into 30-gallon wine tanks! (John 2:6-10)
God surpasses our __________________________ by his miraculous power so that we will trust him completely. If Jesus can change water to wine, imagine what he can do with ________________. (John 2:11)
Digging Deeper:
1. Jesus Cares About Our Everyday Concerns (Read John 2:1–3) During Jesus’ time, relatives and townspeople would gather to celebrate weddings of prominent people, often for up to a week! Here, Jesus responds to what was a potentially huge social embarrassment – running out of wine. Describe how Jesus got involved in the problem of the wedding host. How do you think Jesus gets involved in your daily problems and concerns? How do you feel His presence in your time of need? Share about a time when He revealed Himself personally to you?
2. Jesus Follows the Father’s Timetable (Read John 2:4) Jesus’ response to Mary, “My hour has not yet come,” shows He operates according to the
Father’s timing, not human urgency. What do you think was Mary’s expectation of Jesus? Why did Jesus respond the way he did? Share about a time when God did not answer your prayer the way you expected or delayed answering your prayer. How did that make you feel? What did that teach you about trusting His plan over your own expectations?
3. Going Directly to Jesus (Read John 2:5-8) Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” She directs others to Jesus rather than trying to
control the outcome herself. How did Jesus respond when the people went directly to Him and not through Mary? Why do you think it is important to Jesus for us to go directly to him and obey what he says? In moments of need or crisis, what barriers do you encounter that hinder you from opening your heart to Jesus and obeying Him?
4. The Purpose: That We Might Believe (Read John 2:9-11) John says this sign “revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” Notice how Jesus’ miracle was revealed gradually. Why do you think Jesus first public miracle was turning water into wine? What does that reveal about how Jesus interacts with our daily concerns? Looking back, can you identify a specific event (or series of events) when you saw Jesus working in ways that deepened your faith? How did those experiences shape your understanding of who He is?
Taking it Home:
LIFE MAPPING EXERCISE: Our Christian life is like a tapestry, interwoven with lots of details, and series of events that leads somewhere purposeful. Create a timeline in your life, identifying the major events that deepened your faith in God. Can you see His handiwork in your life? Pray and give thanks to God for how He has grown you through the years.