Light | John 2:1-11

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: John 2:1-11.

overview

In this chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus performs his first recorded miracle, showing his glory and ministry. It wasn't a healing but a provision for someone close to him. This miracle reveals God's care for all details of our lives, both big and small. Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread (Luke 11:3) and reminded us not to worry; he can handle life's details if we ask.

question 1

Last week we talked about how shame keeps us from community. Does something keep you from believing that God cares about the details of your life and that you have unlimited access to him?

discussion

Mary instructs the servants to “do whatever he tells you,” and they gather the six 20–30-gallon stone jars nearby, which were typically used for Jewish washing and purification rituals. These jars were used by priests to wash their hands before entering the temple and offering sacrifices (Ex. 30:20). When Jesus turns the water into wine, it represents a symbol of spiritual fulfillment and joy. The verses convey a lesson to trust Jesus and follow his instructions with faith, as it will be spiritually fulfilling even in uncertain situations.

question 2

Share a time when you knew that God was asking you to do something or guiding you into a new path and as unsure as you were, you listened to him. What was the outcome?

The ceremonial jars represent traditions, and traditions that are done on autopilot without engaging the heart can put us to sleep and we can become spiritually dull and lifeless. Jesus offers us the new wine which symbolizes the new covenant of grace established through his death and resurrection, offering us freedom and a transformed relationship with God. It is joyful! Our life with God can be exciting and fun, not empty and routine. It is up to us to take notice of our own spiritual life and see if we are going through the motions or stuck in old traditions not wanting to change. 

question 3

At some point in our journey with God, most have a season of spiritual dryness. Are you currently in this season or have you been before? How did you come out of it? Take time to pray for one another.

final thoughts

Our life in Christ can be exciting. Spend more time this week asking God if there is something that he wants you to do, a new work to partner with him in, and take note of how you feel after you follow his instructions.