Jesus Turns Water into Wine
Jesus' first miracle shows us that he has come to offer a life of joy freed from the old rules of religion.
Talking Points:
- We must come to Jesus on his terms. God isn’t a cosmic vending machine who gives us everything we want at the moment we want it. John 2:1-10
- Jesus will do more than we can imagine. When Jesus filled those jars with wine, he was shocking the world about his true mission. John 10:10
- Jesus was telling the world that he wants to do something new for you. He was revealing that the way to God goes through him and is by faith. Romans 3:22
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is the most miraculous or unexplainable thing you have ever witnessed?
- Read John 20:30-31. How do miracles act as signs? What do they point you to?
- Read John 2:1-10. Why do you think Jesus chose this as his first miracle?
- How does Mary’s approach to Jesus change at the beginning of this story? What does this teach us about how we should come to Jesus?
- Read Psalm 16:11 and John 10:10. What do these verses teach us about joy?
- Have you ever thought of joy as an important part of the Christian life? How have you seen joy demonstrated in the lives of Christians and in a church? Have you seen the opposite?
- Read John 2:11. What is the glory of God? What does this miracle teach us about Jesus?
- Read Romans 3:22. What is required of us to be made right with God? How does understanding this change your view of God and religion?
- If you aren’t experiencing the joyful Christian life, what steps can you take to find this joy?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Resources:
Jesus Heals the Official’s Son
Jesus invites us to bring our needs to him, knowing that he can do miracles whenever he chooses. His action tests the quality of our faith.
Talking Points:
- Jesus can do miracles with only a word. He is God, and all of creation must obey his commands. John 4:46-47, 49-50, Genesis 1:3
- Jesus does miracles for a purpose. He used them not just to reveal himself but to reveal what was going on in the people around him. John 4:39-44
- Jesus invites us to ask for miracles. God still heals today, but we can’t presume on his purpose or timing. John 4:47-53
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- When you were a child, what was the most serious illness or injury you ever had?
- Read John 4:46-48. How would you describe this man’s interaction with Jesus? How does this compare or contrast with how you talk to Jesus?
- In verse 48, what is the problem Jesus is challenging the crowds about? What is he trying to say to them?
- Read John 4:49-50. What do you observe about this man’s attitude? What kind of situation breeds this kind of urgency in your life? What does verse 50 reveal about Jesus? What does verse 50 reveal about the man?
- How would you have responded to what Jesus told this man to do?
- Read John 4:50-53. What is the difference between “the man believed what Jesus said” (verse 50) and “he and his entire household believed in Jesus” (verse 53).
- In light of this miracle, what would you say to someone who prayed for healing and didn’t receive it?
- If you’re still waiting for a miracle, how does this story encourage or challenge you?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Miracle at the Healing Pool
In a world where everyone is for himself, some people never have a chance to find their miracle. But Jesus has the power to help the desperate ones.
Talking Points:
- Desperate people seek out miracle cures. But gimmicks don’t have the power to heal. John 5:1-5
- Jesus seeks out desperate people. He’s not afraid to enter into suffering- even the most persistent pain. John 5:3
- Some people get comfortable with the victim mindset. Healing is only available to people who truly want it. John 5:6-9
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some miracle cures people try to peddle in our culture? Have you fallen for any of them?
- Share about a miracle you’ve prayed for and seen answered. Share about a miracle you’ve prayed for and are still waiting for it to happen.
- Read John 5:1-3. Why would the disabled gather around this place? What do you think it was like for those people, knowing that everyone needed a miracle, but only the fastest could get it?
- Share about a chronic condition that plagues you or someone you love. What are the emotions that surround this issue? Why is it so easy to lose faith and hope?
- Read John 5:5-6. Why do you think Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed? Why does our attitude matter when it comes to having victory in trials?
- Read John 5:8. How do you think you would’ve responded to Jesus’ command to get up? How does the man’s response show great faith?
- How does this miracle challenge you? How does it impact your view of God? How does it impact your view of the miracle you’re hoping to get?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Jesus Feeds the Multitude
It's tempting to seek the hand of God for what he can give us. But Jesus wants us to seek his face with a desire to truly know him.
Talking Points:
- We all face situations where our resources are not enough to meet the need. That’s where faith grows. John 6:2-9
- Our expectations of Jesus can become an obstacle to real faith. Jesus wants us to know him as he truly is, not as we wish he was. John 6:10-15
- We all have a deeper hunger that reflects a spiritual reality. Jesus is the source of what we really need. John 6:26-27, 30-31, 33-35
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time God provided for you in a miraculous way. How did that impact your faith?
- What’s the difference between seeking God’s “hand” and seeking his “face”? Share an example in your own life.
- Read John 6:2-9. Based on this passage, how would you describe Philip’s personality? How about Andrew? If you were there, would you be more like Philip or Andrew?
- When have you faced a situation where your resources were not enough to meet the need?
- Read John 6:14-15. What did Jesus’ disciples expect of him? What are your expectations?
- “True faith means coming to Jesus on his terms, not ours.” Explain this principle.
- Explain the deeper meaning of this miracle. In your own words, what does it mean that Jesus is the bread of life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Jesus Walks on Water
You can't choose the timing or frequency of storms in your life. But you can choose to respond in faith to the God who rescues.
Talking Points:
- Water miracles were front and center in the Jewish faith. When Jesus walked on water he proved again that he’s the God who rescues. Exodus 3:7-8, Joshua 3:7-15
- God is never surprised when storms break out. He sees your struggle and he has the power to act when he wants. John 6:16-17, Mark 6:48
- The name of Jesus brings peace or dread, depending on your perspective. Your personal response makes all the difference. John 6:19-20, Exodus 3:14
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Psalm 77:19. Share a “miracle” story that your family will (or does) pass down for generations.
- Share about a recent “storm” you’ve experienced. Whom did you turn to for help?
- If God has the power to act, why does he sometimes wait? Make a list of reasons.
- Read John 6:19-20 and John 18:4-6. Describe the different responses to the name of Jesus. Why the difference?
- Read Proverbs 30:4. What does it mean to respond in faith to Jesus?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Jesus Heals a Blind Man
God uses suffering to open our eyes to new insights, but only if we're willing to see life in a new light.
Talking Points:
- Suffering opens our eyes to our own weakness. This is the starting point for every relationship with God. John 9:6-7
- Suffering opens our eyes to God’s strength. It challenges us to let go of the illusion of control. John 9:3
- Suffering opens our eyes to God’s goodness. Jesus seeks out people in pain and offers them new life. John 9:35-38, John 8:12
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time of suffering that changed your view of yourself. How did it change your view of God?
- Read John 9:6-7. What do the actions of the blind man reveal about him? When faced with a trial, do you simply obey God? What does that look like?
- Read John 9:2. Do you hear this sentiment today – bad things happen to people who are bad? Do you think it’s true? Explain Jesus’ answer in John 9:3.
- Read John 9:24-27. How has God shown his goodness to you? How can you use those insights to encourage others in their pursuit of God?
- Read Nahum 1:7. What are some things we can do to be reminded of God’s goodness when suffering comes?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Jesus Raises a Dead Man
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to show that our fullest life can be found in him- whether he performs a miracle or not.
Talking Points:
- When we need a miracle, sometimes Jesus doesn’t come. God is not obligated to answer our prayers on our timeline. John 11:5-6
- Our pain right now feels real and urgent. But our greatest need is Jesus himself, not just a miracle. John 11:25-26
- Jesus is not a disconnected deity. He weeps with us in our need. John 11:33-36
- Jesus has absolute power over death. Suffering is an entry point into an eternity with him. John 11:43-44
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- If you could raise one person from the dead, who would it be? Why?
- Read John 11:21-27. What do you learn about Martha from the way she talks in these verses?
- In John 11:25-26, what does it mean that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? What are some things people look to for “life” rather than Jesus?
- Read John 11:32-26. How do these verses describe Jesus? Why do you think he was troubled and sorrowful?
- Read John 11:43-44. This story focuses more on what led up to the miracle than on the miracle itself. Why do you think this is the case?
- How has God shown his care for you during difficult times in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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