MAIN TEXT: John 2:1-11

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

🧭 Key Theme

Jesus’ first sign at the wedding in Cana is more than a miracle — it’s a prophetic signpost pointing to who He is, how He works, and what His Kingdom is like. His glory begins not in the temple, but in the ordinary — a wedding. His message? Your story is not over. The best is yet to come.

📖 Scripture for the Week

  • John 2:1–12

  • Hosea 6:2

  • Luke 24:7

  • Exodus 7:14–24

  • Romans 8:28

  • Jeremiah 29:11

🪧 Signs, Not Just Miracles

Main Point:

This act of turning water into wine is not simply a miracle. It’s a sign — something meant to be followed, not just admired.

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think John chose this story as Jesus’ first sign?

  • What direction is the sign pointing you toward in your faith or circumstances?

Reflection:

  • Are you staring at the sign (seeking amazement) or following it (seeking direction)?

🕊️ “On the Third Day” – Resurrection Begins Here

Main Point:

John is writing theology, not a diary. “On the third day” is loaded with resurrection and restoration symbolism.

Key Scriptures:

  • Hosea 6:2 — “On the third day He will restore us.”

  • Luke 24:7 — “…on the third day be raised again.”

Reflection & Prayer:

  • Where in your life do you need resurrection power — an area that feels dead or stuck?

  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe life into areas that feel spiritually dormant.

🎉 Jesus Starts with a Party

Main Point:

Jesus begins not in a synagogue but at a wedding — a place of joy, connection, and covenant. His ministry begins with relationship, not religion.

Discussion Questions:

  • What does this say about the nature of the Kingdom of God?

  • How can our church better reflect a culture of joy and relationship?

🌊 New Exodus at Cana

Main Point:

The story is intentionally set in Cana — which means Place of Reeds. Just like Israel passed through the Sea of Reeds, this marks the beginning of a New Exodus — not from Egypt, but from shame, sin, and dead religion.

Symbolism Highlights:

  • Moses’ first sign: water to blood = judgment

  • Jesus’ first sign: water to wine = joy & grace

Discussion Questions:

  • How is your faith journey like an exodus?

  • What might God be delivering you from?

Application:

Reflect on any area where you feel enslaved — to fear, shame, routine, or religion. What would it look like to cross the “Sea of Reeds” with Jesus?

🫱 Radical Obedience

Main Point:

Mary says, “Do whatever He tells you.” She didn’t know what Jesus would do — but she trusted Him. Radical obedience is the seedbed for breakthrough.

Quote:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Discussion Questions:

  • Where is Jesus asking you to take a faith step?

  • What’s your “first step” this week?

🏺 Desecrating Religion to Reveal Grace

Main Point:

Jesus intentionally desecrates the stone jars meant for ceremonial washing. This is symbolic: He didn’t come to clean you up externally — He came to transform you internally.

Discussion Questions:

  • How has religion sometimes replaced relationship in your life?

  • Are there any “stone jars” (rituals, habits, forms) Jesus might be asking you to surrender?

🍷 Extravagant Grace: 600 Litres of Wine

Main Point:

Jesus didn’t just provide enough. He provided abundantly. Grace upon grace.

Symbolism:

Wine = joy, celebration, new covenant

Discussion Questions:

  • Do you relate more to a scarcity mindset or an abundance mindset?

  • What would it look like to truly believe God’s grace is extravagant?

🔥 You Have Saved the Best Till Now

Main Point:

God’s Kingdom doesn’t run out of good wine. The best is not behind you — it’s ahead of you.

Key Scripture:

  • Jeremiah 29:11

  • Romans 8:28

Truths for the Week:

  • My story isn’t over.

  • My purpose is still alive.

  • My best days are not behind me — they are ahead of me.

  • Jesus saves the best for last.

Challenge:

Write down three “old wine” mentalities (e.g., fear, regret, comparison) and three “new wine” promises from Scripture.

📌 Extras for Deeper Study

  • Bible Project video: “John 1–12 Overview”

  • Podcast: Jon Tyson – “Contending for the Future”

  • Read: N.T. Wright – John for Everyone: Chapters 1–10