Inviting Jesus into Every Aspect of Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, as recorded in John chapter 2. This miracle, where Jesus turned water into wine, is a powerful reminder that God is interested in every aspect of our lives, even the seemingly mundane and insignificant parts. The abrupt transition from the cosmic scope of John chapter 1 to the intimate setting of a wedding in John chapter 2 illustrates that God’s miraculous power is not confined to grand, universal events but is also present in our everyday experiences.
We discussed the importance of inviting Jesus into every part of our lives. Just as Jesus was invited to the wedding, we must invite Him into our work, relationships, and daily routines. Without this invitation, we limit the scope of His miraculous work in our lives. We also examined the significance of running out of resources, like the wine at the wedding. Often, it is in these moments of lack that God reveals Himself as our true source, showing up when our own resources have been exhausted.
Furthermore, we emphasized the need for preparation and readiness to respond to God's instructions. Mary’s faith and expectation that Jesus would act, despite His initial reluctance, teach us to be prepared for divine instructions and to act on them promptly. This readiness to obey is crucial for experiencing God's miracles.
Lastly, we highlighted the importance of participation. The servants who filled the jars with water and drew out the wine were the ones who witnessed the miracle firsthand. This teaches us that active participation in God’s work brings a deeper understanding and blessing. While everyone at the wedding enjoyed the wine, only the servants knew the source of the miracle. Similarly, our involvement in God’s work allows us to experience His power in a more intimate and profound way.
### Key Takeaways
1. Invitation to Every Part of Life: God desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives, not just the spiritual or significant parts. We must invite Him into our daily routines, work, and relationships to experience His miraculous power fully. Without this invitation, we limit His ability to work in those areas. [52:59]
2. Revelation Through Lack: Often, God allows us to run out of our own resources to reveal Himself as our true source. When we face lack or insufficiency, it is an opportunity for God to show up and provide in ways we could not have imagined. This teaches us to rely on Him rather than our own means. [55:56]
3. Preparation and Readiness: Being prepared to respond to God's instructions is crucial for experiencing His miracles. Like Mary, we must have faith and expectation that God will act, and we must be ready to obey His commands promptly. This readiness positions us to receive and participate in His miraculous work. [01:07:49]
4. Consideration of Others: Miracles often happen when we consider the needs of others as our own. Mary’s concern for the wedding hosts led to Jesus’ first miracle. Similarly, when we intercede and take responsibility for the needs around us, we create opportunities for God to work through us to bless others. [01:01:15]
5. Blessing Through Participation: Active participation in God’s work brings a deeper understanding and blessing. The servants who filled the jars and drew the wine witnessed the miracle firsthand. This teaches us that involvement in God’s work allows us to experience His power in a more intimate and profound way. [01:14:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:18] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[43:37] - The Unexpected Miracle
[45:01] - From Cosmic to Personal
[46:44] - The Wedding at Cana
[48:13] - The Best is Yet to Come
[49:44] - Monday Miracles
[51:26] - Jesus' First Miracle
[52:59] - Invitation to Every Part of Life
[55:56] - Revelation Through Lack
[57:58] - The Impossibility as Invitation
[59:34] - Consideration of Others
[01:01:15] - Responsibility of Knowing Jesus
[01:03:00] - Praying Beyond Personal Gain
[01:05:06] - Faith Bigger Than Self
[01:06:33] - Preparation for Instruction
[01:07:49] - Readiness to Obey
[01:12:05] - Human Potential and Divine Intervention
[01:14:23] - Blessing Through Participation
[01:16:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
> On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of Jesus' first miracle, and who were the key people involved? ([46:44])
2. How did Jesus respond to Mary when she informed Him about the lack of wine? ([46:44])
3. What instructions did Jesus give to the servants, and what was the result? ([46:44])
4. Who were the first to witness the miracle of water turning into wine, and what was their reaction? ([46:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose a wedding to perform His first miracle? What significance does this setting have? ([45:01])
2. How does the transition from the cosmic scope of John chapter 1 to the intimate setting of a wedding in John chapter 2 illustrate God's involvement in our everyday lives? ([45:01])
3. What does Mary's interaction with Jesus and her instructions to the servants teach us about faith and readiness to obey God's instructions? ([46:44])
4. How does the miracle of turning water into wine reveal Jesus' glory and lead to the disciples' belief in Him? ([48:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Invitation to Every Part of Life: Reflect on your daily routines, work, and relationships. Are there areas where you have not invited Jesus to be involved? How can you intentionally invite Him into those parts of your life this week? ([52:59])
2. Revelation Through Lack: Think about a time when you ran out of resources or felt insufficient. How did that experience reveal God's provision and presence in your life? How can you rely more on God rather than your own means in future situations? ([55:56])
3. Preparation and Readiness: Are you prepared to respond to God's instructions promptly? What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of readiness and obedience, similar to Mary's faith and expectation? ([01:07:49])
4. Consideration of Others: How often do you consider the needs of others as your own? Identify a specific need in your community or among your friends and family. How can you take responsibility and intercede for that need this week? ([01:01:15])
5. Blessing Through Participation: Reflect on a time when you actively participated in God's work. How did that experience deepen your understanding and bring blessings? What is one way you can actively participate in God's work this week to witness His power more intimately? ([01:14:23])
6. Faith Beyond Personal Gain: Evaluate your prayer life. Are your prayers mostly focused on personal gain, or do they include intercession for others? How can you expand your prayers to include the needs of your community and beyond? ([01:03:00])
7. Experiencing God's Best: The steward at the wedding noted that the best wine was saved for last. How can you maintain hope and faith that God's best is yet to come in your life, even in challenging seasons? ([48:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Inviting Jesus into Every Aspect of Life
Description: God desires to be involved in every part of our lives, not just the spiritual or significant moments. The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana illustrates that His miraculous power is present in our everyday experiences. By inviting Jesus into our work, relationships, and daily routines, we open the door for His transformative power to work in all areas of our lives. Without this invitation, we limit His ability to bring about change and blessings in those areas. [52:59]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What specific area of your life have you not fully invited Jesus into? How can you intentionally invite Him into that area today?
Day 2: Revelation Through Lack
Description: Often, God allows us to experience moments of lack or insufficiency to reveal Himself as our true source. When the wine ran out at the wedding in Cana, it created an opportunity for Jesus to perform His first miracle. Similarly, when we face situations where our resources are exhausted, it is an invitation for God to show up and provide in ways we could not have imagined. These moments teach us to rely on Him rather than our own means. [55:56]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt you lacked resources or strength. How did you see God provide for you in that moment, and how can you trust Him more in future moments of lack?
Day 3: Preparation and Readiness
Description: Being prepared to respond to God's instructions is crucial for experiencing His miracles. Mary’s faith and expectation that Jesus would act, despite His initial reluctance, teach us to be prepared for divine instructions and to act on them promptly. This readiness to obey positions us to receive and participate in God’s miraculous work. Like Mary, we must have faith and expectation that God will act, and we must be ready to obey His commands promptly. [01:07:49]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Are you prepared to respond to God's instructions in your life? What steps can you take to ensure you are ready to act promptly when He speaks to you?
Day 4: Consideration of Others
Description: Miracles often happen when we consider the needs of others as our own. Mary’s concern for the wedding hosts led to Jesus’ first miracle. Similarly, when we intercede and take responsibility for the needs around us, we create opportunities for God to work through us to bless others. This teaches us the importance of empathy and selflessness in our walk with God. [01:01:15]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of help or support right now? How can you take a step today to meet their needs and create an opportunity for God to work through you?
Day 5: Blessing Through Participation
Description: Active participation in God’s work brings a deeper understanding and blessing. The servants who filled the jars with water and drew out the wine witnessed the miracle firsthand. This teaches us that involvement in God’s work allows us to experience His power in a more intimate and profound way. While everyone at the wedding enjoyed the wine, only the servants knew the source of the miracle. Similarly, our involvement in God’s work allows us to experience His power in a more intimate and profound way. [01:14:23]
1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV): "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's work today? What specific action can you take to be more involved in serving others and witnessing God's power firsthand?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "I believe that we are in a season when God wants to do unexpected things. And I think we're in a time when you need to expect the unexpected. Come on. These are crazy times. Y'all. Have you been watching the news? They just, you just need to expect the unexpected. And I believe that God is, is, is, is wanting to, to bring a revival of the miraculous to his church." [45:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How many people can celebrate the fact that we serve a God who always saves the best until last. So no matter what, we serve the best. So no matter what your season may taste like, you can have confidence that the best is yet to come. And God has not done his best work yet in your life. Come on, somebody praise him. If you know, you haven't seen anything yet. You haven't yet tasted the best that God has for you." [48:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes God will allow a resource to run out so that these source can be revealed. Sometimes the relationship has to run out. Sometimes the business has to close down. Sometimes the thing that you had put your trust, and he got water for the brook. But there came a day when the brook dried up because God never wants you to tie your future to the resource that he is currently using. But to these source, because God can use any resource in your life." [57:58] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we want Monday miracles, if we want miracles in every part of our lives, we have to give God the invitation to every part of our lives. But the invitation was not just made by Mary. The invitation was not just the invitation to the wedding. The Bible says, I love what verse three says. It says when the wine gave out, things started happening. Sometimes before the miracle can happen, the wine has to give out." [55:56] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm just telling you, if you're not careful, your experience with Jesus can be relegated to the temple and you can fail to bring him in, make space for him and invite him into every part of your life. Don't expect him to work in your money. If you haven't given him access to your money, don't be confused while your relationship isn't working. When you've told God, Hey, listen, I'm going to do this part of my life, my way." [54:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "I am convinced that one of the reasons we don't see miracles in our lives is that we only want miracles for our lives. And oftentimes the greatest miracles God will do for you. He'll actually do through you because he wants to get it to somebody that's around you. See, it's possible that Mary was the only one at this wedding who really knew Jesus." [01:01:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Could it be that God has supernaturally put you where he put you maybe as the only person at your job who really knows Jesus, maybe as the only person in your family that really knows Jesus, you may be the only one in your neighborhood, and bring Jesus into the equation. This cannot happen. If you dismiss other people's needs, because they're not your own, this can't happen. If the only prayers you pray are for you and yours." [01:03:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a different level of blessing. There is a different revelation and impartation to the people who participate. Everybody tasted the wine, but not everybody saw the miracle. They all taste. Oh, that's good. That's good wine. That's good wine. But they didn't all know. I'm telling you, there's a blessing when you participate, so let's pray father right now in Jesus name." [01:14:23] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you come to the house, when you come to the faith center, do you come ready to receive and respond to instruction? It's one thing to be ready to hear the word. Are you ready to heed the word? What Mary said was he's going to talk. I know he said he ain't going to say nothing, but he ain't going to say, he ain't going to do something. But he's not going to do it. He's going to do it through you. So when he speaks, respond. Y'all need to be ready." [01:07:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm just telling you, some of you are cutting yourself off from the miraculous because you live your life. And you walk in your faith and it's all about you. And God wants to do something for you so he can get it through you to the people around you. Come on. Are you even aware? Are you even aware and you got needs all around you. What concern is this to us? Uh, it's an odd question, but could it be that Jesus is poking and prodding not only Mary, but all of us who know Jesus that yes, even whenever they run out of wine, we ought to be concerned whenever our community is out of wine, our neighbor is out of wine. Our country is out To us, it is our concern." [01:05:06] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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