CHAPTER 2

He Will Replenish What Life Has Taken

1. ​ Read the story of Jesus’ first miracle in John 2:1–12.

2. ​ What do you think was the purpose of this miracle?

3. ​ Imagine the scene.

• ​ What did the guests in this story lack?

• ​ What was Jesus’ initial response to Mary in verse 4 when she told him they had no more wine?

• ​ Why did he respond this way?

• ​ Why do you think Mary considered the lack of wine a problem urgent enough to bring it to Jesus?

4. ​ Initially Jesus was hesitant to perform this miracle, saying, “Dear woman, that’s not our problem . . . . My time has not yet come” (John 2:4 NLT ). What did Jesus mean by “My time has not yet come”? Mary responded by turning to the servants and instructing them, “Do whatever he tells you” (v. 5 NLT ).

• ​ Why did Mary intervene?

• ​ What do you think Mary knew about Jesus?

Regarding this passage Max says, “Whatever means whatever. Whatever he says, whatever he commands. Even if his ‘whatever’ is a nothing whatsoever, do it” ( p. 20 ). Have you ever been hesitant to bring a need to Jesus because you were worried about what the “whatever” might mean for you? If so, describe what that need was or is.

5. ​ Fill in the blank: “Be anxious for nothing, but in _____[Your Notes]_____ by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). Based on this verse, what should we not bring to God in prayer?

6. ​ What is something you lack right now? Time? Health? Funds? How does this lack affect your daily life, your relationships with others, and your faith? Have you brought this need to Christ? Why or why not?

• ​ If you have brought this need to Christ in prayer, what has been the response?

• ​ If you haven’t, consider what might be preventing you from doing so. What holds you back?

7. ​ Jesus eventually met the need of the wedding guests that night. What is Max’s explanation for Jesus’ decision to provide the miracle-produced wine? (See p. 17 .)

8. ​ What was the quality of the wine Jesus made? (See John 2:9–10.)

• ​ Jesus could have made less wine. He could have made a poorer quality wine. As the master of ceremonies said, “A host always serves the best wine first . . . . Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” (John 2:10 NLT ). Many probably didn’t notice how good the wine was that night, so why did Jesus perform this miracle in the way he did?

• ​ What does this story tell you about how Jesus will respond to your needs?

9. ​ In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20–21).

• ​ Have you ever given more than was asked by a loved one? Perhaps you gave your grandchild two cookies instead of one, or you gave your son the cash he needed for gas and a soda, or you helped a friend move and then stayed around to hang curtains and get her settled.

• ​ Why did you give in abundance? What prompted you to exceed the request? How did the gift make you feel?

• ​ If you can give in abundance to those around you with the resources you have as a human, what do you think the God of the universe is capable of giving you when you bring your needs to him?