In the world right now, everyone espouses tolerance. Half the time, we want to please others and agree with them, yet we want our rights, and we want things our way. Jesus said He is the Way. Let’s look at that claim.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are participating in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Do you prefer to cook or bake? When a recipe is available, do you question the ingredients, use it as a guide, or do you follow it exactly and why?
Leader Note: Not everyone can cook but anyone can answer this lighthearted question about following a recipe! Some cooks do best when they improvise. Usually when a cook can intuit substitutions or make delicious changes it is based on years of experience. Baking can be especially tricky because of leavening ingredients! In any case, we considered a “recipe” for faith like Mary’s at the wedding in Cana – it is one we can follow.
2. See the problem. Read John 2:1-5. What could have happened if no one had noticed that the wine was gone? Was this a significant problem? Why did this problem matter to Mary, Jesus, or the groom and his family? What problem do I need to see?
Leader Note: he groom and his family would be disgraced both for lack of planning and not providing reciprocal hospitality. Wine was considered a symbol of joy in the Hebrew culture. Though running out of wine may seem trivial to us, to the Jews of Jesus’ day it would have been taboo, even the servants would face criticism and loss of business if such a mistake were made.
3. Seek the source. When you face a problem, what source do you go to for help first? Read: John 2:3. Why do you think Mary chose to ask Jesus for help and what conclusions do you draw from the results?
Leader Note: Siri? Google? Alexa? Mary could have tried to find a wine vendor, told someone in the host’s family or tried to handle the problem on her own. She asked Jesus because she knew His ability and she trusted Him to prevent [any] disaster.
4. Step in obedience. Mary isn't the only one who took a step of faith. Read John 2:7. In what way did Mary prove her faith and how did the servants also show faith? What might have happened if either Mary or the servants had not believed or acted the way that they did? If you are comfortable, share a way that you could show your faith or what might tempt you to solve the problem without Jesus’ help.
Leader Note: Mary proved her faith by leaving the results of her request firmly in Jesus’ hands. She didn’t question Him when He appeared to deny her request. She told the servants to do the same. The servants filled all of the jars of water. That would have been a lot of work! They did it because Jesus told them to – even when it didn’t make sense.
5. Final Thought: Read John 2:8. In what way could you act on your faith this week? Do you have “jars of water” on standby? Step in obedience. Experience a miracle.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
Read Luke 8:43-48 and consider the following questions.
6. What does the woman with the issue of blood have in common with Mary?
Leader Note: Both noticed a problem, took the next step towards a solution, and went to the source.
7. What would have happened if the woman had been too afraid or too paralyzed by overwhelm to go to Jesus that day?
Leader Note: Nothing. Jesus says that her faith and action (touching Him) healed her.
8. Why do you think Jesus called the woman out in Luke 8:47? Was there any reason she might have been hesitant to be seen or to tell the truth about what happened?
Leader Note: Because Jesus spoke to the woman her story is recorded. Because Jesus found her, she was able to tell the truth about her problem and healing. Because Jesus called her over, he legitimized her actions and sent her away healed and whole. We may not know for sure why Jesus called her out but we can see some powerful results. The woman may have been hesitant to admit she was in close quarters with others while she was “unclean.” Also, her blood issue would have been embarrassing. She may not have been accustomed to speaking out in public especially to a known teacher and a group of men.