Jesus: Master Winemaker

John 2:1-12

Setting: A Jewish Wedding Feast. (1-2)

Conflict: Jesus and his mother disagree. (3-5)

Solution: Jesus turns water into wine. (6-8)

Confusion: Best wine last? (9-10)

Outcome: The disciples’ faith deepens. (11)

Note: These verses describe the first of seven signs in the Gospel of John. This “sign” is more than a miracle; it is a supernatural work of God authenticating the identity of Jesus.

1. Read verses 1-2. These first verses describe the setting of Jesus’ first sign. What observations can you make about the setting? Who was there? What was the occasion? When did this happen?

2. Read verses 3-8. How would you summarize the conversation between Mary and Jesus? What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “My hour has not yet come”? What do you think Mary’s attitude was like when she told the servants to do whatever Jesus says? What did Jesus do, and how did the servants respond?

3. Read verses 9-10. What happened to the water? How long does it typically take to make wine and how long did it take Jesus? Why do you think Jesus performed this miracle even though he said his hour had not yet come? What did the master of the feast say about the wine? What parallels about Jesus’ impact on our lives can we draw from the reality that Jesus provided the last and best wine at the wedding feast?

4. Read verses 11-12. What was the purpose of the sign? What was the result of the sign? How does the purpose and result of this sign correspond to the purpose of the Gospel of John (see John 20:30-31)? Why do you think Jesus chose this sign as his first? What do you think it symbolizes?

5. So what? How does this sign encourage you to believe in Jesus just like the disciples? If we were to see the wine as a metaphor for joy, what can we learn about how Jesus brings us joy? What from this passage encourages or challenges you most in your walk with God?