MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM JOHN: 7 Words + 7 Signs - 30/11/09

Continuing our series in John we looked at the first sign of Jesus – Turning water into wine – John 2:1-11

John uses this miracle as the first piece of the puzzle in revealing the glory of Christ. What’s strange is that the very first thing John talks about – is not a big deal. Jesus helps a party carry on for one more day.  He stops someone getting embarrassed.  And Jesus doesn’t even get the credit.

Jesus miraculously changing the nature of liquid in jars would make people think of a prophet called Elisha who effectively did the same thing hundreds of years before in 2 Kings 4:1.

There are a number of similarities between these two stories:

·    Both stories happen because someone’s in need but the initial response is a rebuff.
·    Those making the request persist in their faith.
·    Elisha and Jesus both give instructions that require obedience.
·    The sign occurs through the actions of others and Jesus/Elisha are off-stage. It is the widow and kids that pour the oil and it’s the servants who pour the wine.  The reluctance of Jesus has had the effect of drawing the mother further in to faith.  Therefore to believe is to participate, not merely to observe.

John is clearly wanting to communicate that Jesus is the new and better Elisha.  However he wasn’t the king they were expecting. By performing this miracle, Jesus is said to of “revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him” (11) He is the sort of king who serves, who releases others, draws them into faith, has great power but chooses vulnerability and weakness.

And the climatic shock in the gospel is that the fulfilment of the revealing of God’s glory occurs in the hour of Jesus’ death.

Many things ask for your allegiance in life. e.g. People, government or employers.  But there is no one quite like Jesus – humble, vulnerable but a king.  Will you bow the knee to the king who has already bowed his knee?

Questions:

(1) Retell the two stories from Elisha and Cana in your own words to each other and talk about the similarities.

(2) Are there any other stories in scripture that are similar?  How does this help us understand this miracle being the first sign about Jesus.

(3) Sometimes Jesus withdraws or ignores your request in order to draw out your faith.  Have you ever experienced this?

(4) Both the widow and Mary respond to Elisha/Jesus with obedience.  Are there any steps of obedience that Jesus is asking of you at the moment.

(5) Talk together about the humility of Jesus.

(6) Who or what asks for your allegiance in life?

(7) What does it mean for you to serve Jesus as king of your life?