Thursday, May 04, 2023

John 2:1-12 | Small Group Questions



The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | The Unforgettable Wedding | John 2:1-12

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. This Sunday Pastor Neal taught a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of the father of the bride at the wedding of Cana. Use these questions to discuss how we can apply this passage to our lives. 

1) John teaches us that it was the third day when Jesus preformed this miracle at the wedding of Cana. We’ve talked about John’s literary skill, do you think he wrote this passage in this way to remind us of Jesus’ burial and resurrection on the third day? 

2) When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother came to share this truth with Him. The reason Mary involves Jesus is to avoid family shame. Share about a time when Jesus took away your shame and saved your name in the community. 

3) Read John 2:5-8. We see the servants readily obey all that Jesus asked them to do. Read Luke 17:10. Jesus teaches us that we should live with the attitude of serving others. Do you struggle with obeying God or does that come easily to you? 

4) The master of the banquet remarks that the best wine was saved for last. What does this say about the nature of Jesus' miracles and his ministry as a whole? What do you think Jesus still has planned for your life that is better than right now? 

5) In the Old Testament there is a connection that makes wine and joy synonymous (see Psalm 4:7, Isaiah 16:10, and Ecclesiastes 9:7). We’re not suggesting to drink wine for joy. Where have you seen Jesus fill your emptiness with joy? 

6) In John 2:11 we read that this was a sign and not a miracle. Most people think of this as a miracle and not a sign. Take some time, as a group, to discuss the difference in the two words. What makes this a sign and not a miracle? 

7) In this sermon Neal preached a first-person narrative. Do you think/feel like you were able to connect better to this style of preaching? What was helpful to you in your walk with Jesus to learn this way? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 





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