If you had one gesture to tell the world who you are and why you came, would you start with 600 litres of wine at a wedding party? A preacher who spent years photographing weddings looks closely at the strangest wedding story in the Bible, the first sign Jesus gave in Cana of Galilee (John 2). Instead of hunting for a moral about marriage, he walks us through the numbers and images woven into Johns Gospel, all the way to the banquet promised by Isaiah (Isaiah 25). Listen if you want to see what this odd story says about who Jesus is for you today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Why was running out of wine at a week-long wedding such a disgrace for the groom's family, and what does it say about Jesus that He chose this moment for His first sign?
- How do you understand Jesus' reply, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come," given that in John's Gospel His "hour" points to His death?
- The sermon connects this story with the feast of the finest wines promised in Isaiah 25. How does seeing Jesus as the Bridegroom preparing the final wedding feast change the way you see Him?
- The speaker noted there were six stone jars, not seven, because this was only a foretaste of the feast to come. What foretastes of God's joy do you notice in your life right now?
- Mary tells the servants, "Do whatever He tells you," even though Jesus seems to turn her down. Where do you find it hard to trust Jesus when His plan differs from yours?
- What "ordinary extraordinary miracle" of Jesus in your life could you share with someone this week to help them believe who He really is?
