Sermon Series: When Jesus Shows Up            

Sermon – “Finding Enough When It’s Dry” – John 2:1-12

One Long Party

  • Weddings were one of the most significant social moments for first-century Jews. It was more than a celebration for the couple. It was a communal gathering that served as a social contract between families. 

  • These celebrations usually lasted around seven days. The poorest among them would even save for a long time in order to provide a worthy celebration. 

  • Running out of wine was a social disaster that brought shame to the family, and some thought even bad luck to the bride and groom. 

  • In this story, we read about six stone jars, and this amount indicated this family was wealthier, and in this case, running out would have been a horrific situation. 

Do Whatever He Tells You

  • Scholars tend to think Mary’s request came both as his mother and as a disciple who is a part of a new community. Her words to the servers is profound because she believes Jesus can do something about this situation. It shows she has faith and anticipates his response.

  • Jesus’ response may seem a bit off-putting, but his response as “woman” wasn’t considered rude. His response did indicate that the direction of his life would be guided by his father first and foremost. 

  • The truth of wine is that it always runs out. It is not the headwaiter or the host who knows what to do; the transformation takes place when they take seriously the words, “Do whatever he tells you.”

More Than We Knew Possible

  • In this story, Jesus shows up by invitation, and the steps he takes to bring forth the best come in showing that Jesus’ kingdom offers more than we deem possible in our situations. 

  • The serving of the best wine is a countercultural reality. The invitation Jesus gives sin our lives is a kingdom that is countercultural and yields a different way of being in the world. 

  • God’s presence brought the best, and it is a foretaste of the resurrection joy that will come when Jesus rises from the dead. 

  • The reference to the bridegroom can also refer to how we, as the people of God, are called the Bride of Christ. Jesus is the bridegroom, and the best is found by the bridegroom for his people. 

  • God has always been acting in history, but now, Jesus, who moved into the neighborhood of humanity (John 1), sees that the very best of God’s nature and character is being revealed.

(Resources provided by NT Wright, T. Scott Daniels, Laura Sweat Holmes, and George Lyons)


Discussion Questions

  1. What sticks out to you from this profound story?

  2. The transformation in this party came through the obedience of the servants. (Lower on the social status) Where has obedience to Jesus brought transformation for you?

  3. Jesus’ kingdom and way of being in the world are countercultural. How is the faith you live countercultural currently? 

  4. Where is God’s character and nature being revealed in your life in this discussion or in your family, or even in your own life?

  5. What does faithfulness to God’s kingdom look like today?