Scripture: John 2:1-11
Main Themes: Everyday miracles, divine abundance, signs of God’s presence, inclusive celebration, faith and transformation
Discussion Questions:
- Signs vs. Miracles
- The Gospel of John refers to Jesus’ acts as signs rather than miracles. Why do you think this distinction matters?
- How does thinking of Jesus’ works as signs pointing to God’s nature rather than supernatural events change your understanding of this story?
- The Wedding at Cana
- Jesus’ first public act happens not in a synagogue or temple, but at a wedding celebration. What does this setting suggest about the nature of God’s kingdom?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus provided an abundance of good wine—and did so quietly, without fanfare?
- Everyday Miracles and Seeing Signs
- Annie Dillard’s story of hiding pennies for strangers as signs of grace was mentioned in the sermon. What “pennies” of grace do you notice in your life?
- What gets in the way of seeing the everyday signs of God’s love around you? How might you open yourself to notice them more?
- Interfaith and Historical Context
- Pastor Mark referenced the Gospel of John’s tension with Jewish religious authorities and cautioned against misreading it as anti-Jewish. Why is this historical awareness important when reading Scripture today?
