Scripture Reference
John 2: 1-12
Open in Prayer
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Message Recap
When we think of God, how often do we think of Him as happy and full of joy? These aren’t always our first responses. Typically, words like serious, maybe stoic or staunch–reliable, sure. But full of joy? In John 2:1-12 we find Jesus at a wedding with His disciples and his mother. Presumably, all is well until it is not–the wine runs out. Weddings were typically a week-long event considered extremely important celebrations in the culture of the time. They were filled with joy and hope at the joining of two families—not unlike the sentiments of our modern-era weddings. As was custom then, wine was served each day, and to run out would bring dishonor and shame upon the family. Mary boldly approaches her son to fix the situation, and He does so with abundance–approximately 120 gallons of wine.
Discussion Questions
- Reflecting on your personal perception of God, how do you typically envision His emotional state, and how does the concept of Him being full of joy challenge or align with your beliefs?
- As you reflect on the story of the Wedding at Cana, what lessons do you draw from Jesus' response to the situation, particularly in the context of bringing abundance and joy to seemingly ordinary moments?
- Considering Mary's boldness in approaching Jesus to address the wine shortage, how does this story inspire you to approach God with your needs and desires?
- Have there been times when you've struggled to reconcile your understanding of God's joy with the hardships and suffering in the world? How do you navigate this tension?
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of joy and gratitude in our relationship with God, particularly in moments of uncertainty or challenge, and how can this group support each other in that endeavor?
Live it out
Brainstorm ways as a group you can be on the lookout for joy throughout the next week. To allow that joy to be “contagious joy” share it with your group members as you find it, perhaps sending a quick text to the group chat. Practice being joy hunters!
Close in Prayer
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