Discussion Questions:

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

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Discussion Questions

1. Humor and Scripture

• Pastor Mark suggests that parts of the Bible are meant to be humorous, and that we often miss the joke because we don’t expect it.
  • Have you ever encountered humor in Scripture before? If so, where?
  • How might humor open us up to deeper spiritual truths or catch us off guard in a helpful way?
  • Why do you think it’s important that we approach the Bible with curiosity and openness to unexpected interpretations?

2. Deception, Identity, and Family Dynamics

• In this story, Jacob deceives his father Isaac with help from his mother Rebekah, disrupting birthright norms.
  • What emotions or reactions do you have to this act of deception?
  • Have you ever felt like you had to “prove” yourself to receive something you already deserved or hoped for?
  • How do family dynamics—favorites, rivalry, expectations—shape our understanding of identity and worth?

3. Striving vs. Receiving

• Pastor Mark suggests that Jacob’s mistake—and often ours—is fighting for something already given.
  • What are the “rabbits” you feel you’re chasing in your life?
  • What would it look like to live from a place of already being blessed, instead of always striving?
  • How does the idea of grace challenge the belief that we must “earn” God’s love or success?

4. The Ladder and God’s Presence

• Jacob dreams of a ladder with angels ascending and descending—yet it is God who comes down and stands beside him.
  • What does it mean to you that God comes down the ladder to meet Jacob where he is?
  • Have you ever had a moment where you realized God was present in a place you hadn’t expected?
  • How might we begin to trust that God is already with us, not just waiting at the top of the ladder?

5. Blessing and Becoming a Blessing

• God tells Jacob: not only are you blessed, but you will be a blessing to others.
  • What’s the difference between receiving a blessing and being a blessing?
  • How do you see yourself living as a blessing in your community, family, or workplace?
  • What unique gifts might God be calling you to share right now?

6. Applying the Sermon

• Pastor Mark uses humor, storytelling, and a Fred Craddock parable to challenge how we see ourselves and our spiritual journeys.
  • What part of the sermon surprised you, challenged you, or made you laugh?
  • What is one thing you will carry with you this week from this sermon?
  • How can we, as a church, encourage one another to stop chasing the “not-real rabbits” and instead trust the love that already surrounds us?

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