In Jesus’ day people thought that following God was primarily about rules and regulations. As a result, people were confused about what it meant to follow God. In John 2, Jesus tries to help people understand how God wants them to have a life of joy.
John 2:1-2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.
This is Jesus’ first miracle. He’s about to do something surprising, turn water into wine.
John 2:7-8 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
Jesus performed this miracle to teach everyone that God wants people to experience joy. In Jesus’ day, wine represented joy. This miracle has important implications for us.
It Means That the Good Life Is a Life Filled With Joy
Jesus doesn’t want you to follow a set of rules. He wants to give you a life full of joy, satisfaction, and freedom.
How do we get this good life? Jesus explained in another passage.
Matthew 22:37-39 “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
You are on your way to the good life when you start loving God and loving other people. Real love is what leads you to the good life.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- If you could only drink one soda for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
- “Following God just means following a bunch of rules.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.
- Read John 2:7-11. How did Jesus use this miracle to teach his followers that he came to bring them a life of joy?
- How would you define a good life?
- Read Matthew 22:37-39. According to Jesus, how can you experience a good, joyful life?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
