Don’t Miss the Glory—Moving Beyond the Blessing
Focus Passage: John 2:1-11
Main Preaching Statement (MPS):
"Jesus reveals His glory by transforming hidden crises into moments of grace, inviting us to recognize His hand and respond in faith."
Lesson Framework: Hear, Believe, Live, Know, Proclaim
This study uses the following framework for spiritual growth:
- Hear: What is God saying through His Word?
- Believe: How can we trust what God is revealing?
- Live: How do we respond with obedient action?
- Know: How can we deepen our understanding of God’s faithfulness?
- Proclaim: How can we share what we’ve seen with others?
1. Hear: What is God Saying?
Scripture Focus: John 2:1-11
Key Observations:
- The setting is a wedding in Cana, a time of celebration and community.
- A hidden crisis occurs: the wine runs out, which would bring shame to the family hosting the wedding.
- Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine is His first public sign and reveals His glory.
Theological Takeaway:
- Jesus cares about our needs, both big and small, and works even in seemingly ordinary circumstances.
- This miracle wasn’t just a solution to a problem; it was a revelation of His divine identity as the Son of God.
Reflection Questions:
- What stands out to you about the way Jesus responded to the crisis?
- What does this passage reveal about God’s care for both the physical and spiritual needs of His people?
2. Believe: Trusting God’s Hand
Scripture Focus: John 2:3-5, 11
Key Observations:
- Mary trusted Jesus’ sufficiency and told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
- The disciples saw this miracle and believed in Jesus, recognizing His glory for the first time.
Theological Takeaway:
- Faith requires trusting in God’s ability to provide, even when the outcome is uncertain.
- Belief in Jesus is the foundation of a transformed life.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you need to trust Jesus, even when you can’t see how He will work?
- How does seeing God’s glory deepen your faith?
3. Live: Obeying God in Daily Life
Scripture Focus: John 2:7-8
Key Observations:
- Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone jars with water, and they obeyed by filling them “to the brim.”
- The servants didn’t question Jesus’ instructions, even though the request seemed unrelated to the problem.
Theological Takeaway:
- Obedience positions us to witness God’s glory. Even small acts of faithfulness can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
- Filling the jars “to the brim” symbolizes wholehearted, complete obedience.
Reflection Questions:
- What “jars” is God asking you to fill in your life? (e.g., prayer, serving, forgiving others)
- Are you offering God partial obedience, or are you fully trusting Him with your actions?
4. Know: Experiencing God’s Glory
Scripture Focus: John 2:9-10
Key Observations:
- The master of the feast tasted the wine but didn’t know its source. He marveled at the quality of the wine, praising the bridegroom.
- Jesus’ transformation of water into wine reflects His abundance and sufficiency.
Theological Takeaway:
- God’s work is often behind the scenes, but His glory is revealed to those who seek Him.
- Recognizing God’s faithfulness in our lives deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our assurance of His provision.
Reflection Questions:
- How has God worked behind the scenes in your life?
- How can reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past give you confidence for the future?
5. Proclaim: Sharing God’s Glory
Scripture Focus: John 2:11
Key Observations:
- The disciples’ belief was the result of witnessing Jesus’ glory revealed through the miracle.
- This miracle wasn’t just about meeting an immediate need; it was a sign pointing to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Theological Takeaway:
- Sharing what we’ve seen God do in our lives helps others believe.
- Testifying to God’s glory is a way to bring others closer to Him and encourage their faith.
Reflection Questions:
- Who in your life needs to hear about how God has worked in you?
- How can sharing your testimony help someone recognize Jesus’ glory?
Personal Reflection and Application
- Hear: Spend time this week reading John 2:1-11. Write down what God is saying to you through this passage.
- Believe: Reflect on one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully.
- Live: Identify one act of obedience you can take this week to honor God’s call in your life.
- Know: Write down a moment when God’s hand was evident in your life and reflect on how it strengthened your faith.
- Proclaim: Share a specific way God has worked in your life with someone who needs encouragement.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus reveals His glory by transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
- Faith grows when we respond to God’s work with trust and obedience.
- Recognizing God’s hand in our lives leads to deeper relationship and testimony.
Prayer Challenge
This week, pray:
- For eyes to see God’s hand in your life.
- For faith to trust Him in areas of uncertainty.
- For courage to respond in obedience.
- For boldness to share His glory with others.