Annual Growth: Being a Part of the Miracle

Read John 2:1-11

During the wedding celebration, a problem arises – there's no more wine! (v.3) What does Mary immediately do, and how does that apply to problems in our lives?

Mary turned to Jesus and asked him to help (v. 3). Why do you think Mary asked Jesus to do something, and what do you think she expected Jesus to do? Remember, according to verse 11, Jesus had not yet performed any miracles yet.

Have you ever asked God to do something that you've never seen Him do before?

Mary tells Jesus' servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. What does this tell you about Mary's relationship with Jesus?

One indicator of spiritual maturity is when people turn to you to help them solve spiritual problems. Do others that know you well trust you to do this?

The servants listened to Jesus and did exactly what he said. But what if they didn't? What if they made excuses to be skeptical, lazy or non-caring? Do you find yourself doing this for manual labor tasks that God has asked you to do?

How can an obedient response to God's directions lead to spiritual growth?

Verses 10–11 says the master of the ceremonies tasted the wine and said it was the best wine yet! Everyone got to enjoy the miracle, but only a couple helped perform it. Have you ever seen or experienced God do something that you know you missed out on?

Why does God want us to be a part of His work? What is His work?

(Read Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45) Jesus said that he came to serve, not to be served. Based on your life, would you say you are like Jesus?

What are your main reasons for not wanting to serve others?

I'm sure these two servants told people about this story and what Jesus did for the rest of their lives. Jesus did something IN them when he asked something FROM them. Why is this important for us to remember when you think God wants something from you?

In the past, how have you known that you've grown spiritually?

We often think of growth as something that can only take place over a long period of time. How long does it take for someone to actually grow spiritually?

How will you determine whether or not you've grown spiritually this week?

(Read vs 11) The purpose of Jesus' miracle was not to save the groom from embarrassment but to display Christ's glory. What aspects of Christ's glory does this miracle reveal to you?