Class Lesson October 2, 2011

Hey Gang,

We begin a new 5 week series this Sunday entitled, "It's a Miracle!" This study is about some of the miracles of Jesus and what they reveal about who He is and what He desires to do in us and through us.

Jesus' Miracles, what do they mean?

There are many that don’t believe in the supernatural. The Bible is a book of supernatural events. From the beginning the universe was made supernaturally. If someone doesn’t believe the supernatural miracles of Jesus they won’t be able to accept the creation account or many of the ways God provided for or led His people throughout history. We need to look carefully at the events of Scripture to see when it is the hand of God intervening in the affairs of man.

 

How do people try to use Jesus as an ATM, easybutton, or 911 operator?

How else do people see Jesus? ___________________


How is He more than that? _______________________



Why is it essential that we know Jesus as more than a miracle worker?
 

• Examining Jesus’ first miracle can help us gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, why He worked miracles, and the difference He makes in lives.

This is the first ‘sign’ that Jesus is recorded as performing. In John’s gospel there are seven specific signs:

1. Water into wine

2. Healing of official’s son (John 4:46-54)

3. Healing of the man paralyzed for 38 years (John 5:1-9)

4. The feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-14)

5. Healing of the man born blind (John 9:1-41)

6. Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

7. The death and resurrection of Jesus (John 2:18-22)



So why this one; why is this the first, and why are we told that this is the first?

He Turned The Water Into Wine

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I. TALK WITH JESUS ABOUT IT – JOHN 2:1-5

1 On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and 2 Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother told Him, "They don't have any wine." 4 "What has this concern of yours to do with Me, woman?" Jesus asked. "My hour has not yet come." 5 "Do whatever He tells you," His mother told the servants.



Examine this passage first as a historical event. What was the setting of Jesus’ first miracle on earth? Why is that significant? 

• A wedding – weddings should be a time of joy and celebration. Weddings are personal and social celebrations, but they also should be sacred occasions. A wedding was an important event and the celebration could last for a week. Some people believe that if a Christian is having fun – they must be sinning. On the contrary: Jesus was at the wedding feast celebration to join in the festivities! Why is that significant? God wants to enter in and be included and to be a part of the celebration. God is with us in our “Best” of Times… And God is with us in our “Worst” of Times!

What was the problem?
 

• The host ran out of wine. The host family had to supply enough food and drink for their guest to enjoy across the long stretch of the celebration. The expense of the refreshments alone could put a serious strain on a family’s meager resources. People in Jesus’ day ranked hospitality as something close to a sacred duty. Showing it brought tremendous pride to a host family, but not being able to show it brought unbearable shame to them. Now you might think this a little detail in the grand picture of everything – after all it’s really all about the couple, right? But then maybe you aren’t sure Jesus cares about the little details of your life – well, He does just as He did here – Talk to Him about it and then follow His instructions for even the smallest of details.

The fact that Mary was aware the wine had run out and her interaction with the servants indicates she may have had a role in catering this wedding. Why did she involve Jesus? 

• No one else at the wedding feast knew Jesus like His mother. Joseph is not mentioned at being at the wedding probably because he had already died. This being the case Mary would have been used to bringing her problems, her concerns to Jesus. “They have no more wine.” This statement is simply another problem and concern that Mary took to her Son, Jesus. Jesus is the One we should always first bring our troubles, problems, and concerns too. Turn all your troubles over to him, because he cares for you and is watching over you. 1 Peter 5:7 Worldwide English

  
How did she demonstrate trust and understanding that He was more than just the Son she’d raised?

• Mary’s response to Jesus revealed something about her relationship with Him. She brought her need to Jesus, and then trusted Him to take care of it in the right way. She told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them. Mary’s example of simple trust in Jesus helps us in our walk with Him. We demonstrate our trust in Him when we bring our needs to Him with the assurance that He will address them in ways that will bring glory to Him.
• Mary did NOT tell Jesus what to do! Mary put her Faith and her Trust in Jesus that Jesus would answer her concern (prayer). When we pray to God, we should NOT be dictating to God what we want God to do for us! Like Mary we should petition the Lord with prayer, to Trust that we are safely in God’s Hands, and have Patience, Faith, and Trust in God to answer our prayers. Let the morning bring me word of your everlasting love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8
• Maybe you have thought that Jesus has more important things to do than your life requests – but we see here that He didn’t dismiss Mary’s request and He won’t dismiss ours.
• Ever had a situation that seemed overwhelming like this one was for Mary? Ask Jesus for help just as God directs. Something unexpected often happens when Jesus becomes involved in the occasions of our lives.
• In a moment of crisis, people can reveal the depth of their relationship with the Lord. Some turn to Jesus because He has power to perform a miracle. Beyond awareness of this power, they know very little about Him. By contrast, others see Jesus as much more than a miracle worker. They know Him as their God and guide. According to John’s gospel, Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding banquet in Cana. The residents of Cana were not considered wealthy. Most made a living as farmers or craftsmen.

Explore what this miracle teaches us about Jesus and His character. How do we relate to Him rather than give Him a wish list?

• He cares about the little details of our lives – He wants to be included.
• Jesus’ response to Mary’s request gives us a glimpse into His interest in our concerns and struggles. He could have ignored Mary’s request for help, indicating that He considered her concern to be trivial and not worthy of His attention. But that’s not what happened. He addressed the need she brought to Him with love and specific help. His response demonstrates His concern for what concerns us.
• He wants us to realize that doing the will of God is one’s highest calling.

II. DO WHAT JESUS TELLS YOU – JOHN 2:6-10

6 Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained 20 or 30 gallons. 7 "Fill the jars with water," Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then He said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the chief servant." And they did. 9 When the chief servant tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom 10 and told him, "Everybody sets out the fine wine first, then, after people have drunk freely, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now."





What happened between the time the servants filled the jars with water and the chief servant had a taste? How does the power of Jesus often sneak in quietly when we’re not even aware? How can we be more aware Jesus is working even when it doesn’t seem like He’s doing anything? What difference would this make?

• After the servants filled the pots to the brim with water, Jesus performed a miracle. He turned the water into wine, and the chief servant made the first declaration about it. Tasting the sample, he expressed his surprise in the quality of the new wine and the fact that usually the best wine was served first.
• We are often unaware of the miracles that go on about us.
• How can we be more aware? By trusting everything with Him completely!
• What difference would this make? He turned water into wine as a miraculous sign of what His presence could do in a person’s life. Never feel you are missing the best when you follow Jesus!
• The servants (the servants of Jesus) obediently followed the instructions of Jesus. We too need to listen and to follow the instructions of Jesus; The Word of God. When we the servants of the Lord, follow His instructions and His Word, we too are privileged to see the miracles of God working in our everyday lives. Yes, God loves you, and His Holy Spirit surrounds you at all times, and Yes, God IS working in your life!
• The bride and the groom and the entire wedding guest were oblivious to the Miracle of changing water into wine. Only the servants of Jesus, only the followers of Jesus who follow His instructions were aware of Jesus’ miraculous sign of changing water into wine.

What was the original purpose for the stone jars? How does Jesus deliver more than just outer cleansing? How did Jesus supply more than enough wine? How did He do far more than satisfy the thirst of partygoers and cover the host’s shame? How does He supply more than enough for you? How have you discovered that what Jesus offers is far superior to what the world offers?

• John pointed out the water pots had been placed there for the purpose of ceremonial purification practices, like hand washing or foot washing. Outer cleansing.

• The first miracle in Cana points to Jesus as the source of abundant life.

Notice that during this time, Jesus doesn’t call any attention to Himself. He kept silent when the chief servant made the declaration about the quality of the wine. Scripture indicates that only the servants who filled up the water pots knew something miraculous had happened. Surely Mary knew too since she brought the request to Jesus, but she didn’t say anything either. Jesus’ silence makes the purpose of the miracle more difficult to grasp. Apparently the purpose of the miracle at Cana wasn’t to show everyone His miracle-working power, so what did the miracle mean?



Read the next verses for the answer…




III. WATCH THE GLORY OF JESUS – JOHN 2:11; 1:14, 18


11 Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

____________________

14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

_____________________

18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son — the One who is at the Father's side — He has revealed Him.


How was Jesus’ action at the wedding more than a miracle? A miracle is a supernatural act with a purpose. What was the purpose of Jesus’ supernatural act of turning water into wine?

• John referred to Jesus’ first miracle as a sign. Like a sign on a road that points a traveler toward a city, Jesus’ miracle pointed to the fact that He is God’s Son, the Messiah for whom Israel had been waiting.
• John tells us why he has recorded them: in John 20:30-31 -“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
• The miracle served as a sign that exhibited Jesus’ glory. He revealed God’s presence in Himself when He turned the water into wine. People could see that He was a man but was also God.
• True faith has a definite beginning; but it is a dynamic growing experience.
• John the Gospel writer always refers to Jesus’ miracles as “Signs.” John wants us not to focus on the miracle but on the significance and meanings rather than the marvel of the event. This is the beginning of Jesus’ Ministry.

What glimpses of the glorious God did Jesus reveal with this miracle at Cana? His disciples had already acknowledged Jesus was the Messiah and King of Israel, so why does Scripture say they believed in Him? What glimpses of God’s glory have led you to believe in and trust Jesus more deeply than you did a year ago? Was it miraculous signs or just a steady revelation of who God is that has led to that deepening faith?

• The miracle made quite an impact. John said it caused the disciples to believe in Jesus even more. They devoted themselves to following Him (1:41, 44-45).

How is it possible to observe, even be a part of, a miracle of God and not believe in Jesus as more than someone to use as a crisis solver? What does it take to see beyond the miracle to the glorious God behind the miracle?

• If your study of the miracle at the wedding in Cana has only led you to believe that Jesus can work wonders, then you’ve missed the point of it. The purpose of the miracle isn’t to make you feel more comfortable about turning to Christ in emergencies. The goal of the miracle is to prompt you to nurture deeper devotion to God.

3 Points Jesus revealed about God’s nature through the first miracle:



1. Focus on the gospel

2. Willingness to meet our daily needs

3. Power to do the miraculous



For me when I first came to read this Scriptures, the miracle of changing water into wine, (to me) – this was an unspectacular miracle. I guess I expected something bigger, something more spectacular. I was mistakenly looking at the miracle and not looking for the meaning!


I failed to recognize and understand the much more significant meanings of the miracle. But later when I finally started to realize the meaning of this Scripture I was flabbergasted! John 2:1-11 is spectacular; NOT because of the miracle, but because of the “Sign” the greater meanings and significance of the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine.


If we look at this miracle of changing water into wine as just a magic trick performed by Jesus; this miracle is meaningless. All True Miracles Always Point to God! But when we see the meanings of this “Sign” we are filled with a wealth of Understanding God, the Nature of God, The Love, Forgiveness, and Grace of God.

This is going to be a soul searching series as we dive into the very character of God and why He chooses to perform miraculous acts even today - do you see them, have you seen them? What do they tell you? What do they mean to you?

Please be in prayer this week as we open this new series on the miracle's of Jesus.

See you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson September 25, 2011

Hey Gang,

This week's lesson concludes our series on a balanced spiritual growth and takes a look at the simplicity of bringing others to Christ. Now, I know what you are thinking, "What's simple about bringing others to Christ?" Well, as Philip says to Nathanael in our lesson this week, "Come and see."

People Need The Lord

Kirk Cameron Witnessing on the Street

Here are some common things we hear about sharing our faith: 

1. My friends think there are other ways to God besides Jesus. Is this possible?
2. I get nervous whenever I start to share about my faith. Why?
3. I have relatives who aren’t saved, nor are they interested. What should I do?
4. I’m not sure what to say when I share about Jesus. I’m afraid I won’t have the answers.

Who had the greatest impact on your decision to become a Christian?

• Parent
• Sunday school teacher
• Coworker
• Neighbor
• Pastor/staff member
• Grandparent
• Other family member
• Friend
• Someone you don't know
• Other

Who has had the greatest influence on your spiritual growth since then?

Looking back helps you see how certain people impact how you follow Jesus. Each matters: the person who first introduced you to Jesus; ones who walked with you through difficult times; ones who thought enough of you and of Jesus to know the two of you can do life together really well and affirmed you for it.

You and I have also done this for others, maybe without realizing it. Let's be intentional about being ones who help others know and obey Christ with delight. 

John the Baptist pointed the crowd to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Andrew and John were disciples of John the Baptist, but when John repeated to them the same message he had proclaimed publicly, they followed Jesus. Andrew went to his brother Simon and told him what had happened. When Simon met Jesus, Jesus gave him a new name, Cephas. Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip in turn sought out his friend Nathanael and told him that he had found the One foretold by the prophets - Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael asked, "Can there be any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip challenged him to "come and see." Meeting Jesus convinced Nathanael to follow Him.

I. WHY WE GO – JOHN 1:29, 35-39

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!


………………………………………………………………………………………


35 Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look! The Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, "What are you looking for?" They said to Him, " Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are You staying?" 39 "Come and you'll see," He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about 10 in the morning.

We need to take John the Baptist as an example of a witness for Jesus. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He was privileged to see that Jesus was the Lamb of God, but he did not live to witness how He did it. Like many prophets, John the Baptist spoke of something he did not fully understand; but God led him to make this proclamation of what Jesus' followers saw later in Hid death and resurrection. 

Think of a positive experience you’ve had (a doctor, a vacation spot, a new restaurant) only because someone recommended it. What made you trust this person’s recommendation? Would you trust them again?



What makes it easy for you to share about Jesus? What makes you hesitate? What should we do about each situation?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
2. All people need to find forgiveness through Him.
3. All Christians need to tell of Him publicly and privately.
4. Thus we should develop the skill of telling others about Christ.

II. WHOM TO TELL – JOHN 1:40-46


40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which means "Anointed One"), 42 and he brought [Simon] to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, "You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which means "Rock").


Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day He decided to leave for Galilee. Jesus found Philip and told him, "Follow Me!" 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets ): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!" 46 "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael asked him. "Come and see," Philip answered.

Following Jesus means more than walking with Him down a road. it means commitment and obedience. As we go about our work, our schooling, and our lives in our homes, we are to tell those we know or meet about the Lord.

Is it easier to share Jesus with a relative, a friend, or a stranger?




How is sharing about Jesus different with someone who is genuinely interested compared to someone who is indifferent or resistant?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. If God leads you to go as a missionary, be ready to go and tell.
2. As we go about our lives, we should be sensitive to opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
3. Ignorance and prejudice often thwart the words of witnesses.

III. WHAT RESULTS – JOHN 1:49-51

49 " Rabbi," Nathanael replied, "You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus responded to him, "Do you believe [only] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." 51 Then He said, " I assure you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."


What convinced Nathanael? Was Nathanael wise, skeptical, cautious, curious, or what?




If you had to choose one word to describe how Andrew and Philip felt about sharing Jesus with Peter and Nathanael, what would it be?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. We should go to our friends and tell them of Jesus.
2. We can use biblical titles to provide a foundation for what we say.
3. We need to recognize that the Lord Himself will use our testimony to speak to the person to whom we are witnessing.
4. Don't be surprised if some people make excuses.
5. Challenge people to give Jesus a chance.
6. We should rejoice with those who receive Christ.

Go and tell the good news of Jesus. Tell of His coming, of His ministry and life, tell of His death to take away sin, and tell of His resurrection. Tell what He has done in your life. Don't limit your witness to one time or place. As you go about each day, tell the good news. Tell your family, tell your friends, and tell strangers you meet. Live a good life, but be sure to give God the glory for what good is in your life. People need to see His good works in you.

Prayer of Commitment

Lord, help me to go where You want me to go and tell others what You want me to say. Amen



I hope you have enjoyed this series on spiritual growth. It's always good to see where we measure up to God's plan. Continue to be in prayer for what God will reveal through this week's lesson on sharing our faith.

See you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan