Transforming Ordinary Moments Through Obedience to Jesus
Summary
This month, we’re focusing on our vision: being an active place of worship, meeting needs through God’s love. Today, we looked at the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This event is often called Jesus’ first public miracle, but it’s more than just a display of supernatural power—it’s a window into the heart of God and the way He works in our lives. The story reminds us that Jesus is present in the ordinary moments, invited into our celebrations and our needs, and that He delights in using the simple obedience of ordinary people to bring about extraordinary results.
Mary’s words to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” are at the heart of this miracle. The servants’ obedience—filling the jars to the brim—opened the door for Jesus to work. They didn’t know what would happen, but they trusted and acted. In our own lives, obedience to Jesus often precedes the miracle. Sometimes what He asks of us seems unrelated or even unreasonable, but when we follow, we find that He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The miracle wasn’t just about wine; it was about revealing Jesus’ glory and building faith in His disciples.
We also reflected on how easy it is to forget the miracles God has already done in our lives. Like Thomas, who doubted even after witnessing so much, we can fall into the trap of doubt and forgetfulness. Yet, Jesus continues to invite us to remember, to bring our empty jars—our hurts, our failures, our resentments—to Him. He alone can turn our mess into His righteousness, our sorrow into joy. The call is simple but profound: listen to Him, do what He says, and watch as He brings about transformation in ways we never expected.
Obedience isn’t always easy. Sometimes it comes with reluctance, with wrestling, with a heart that isn’t quite ready. But God is patient, working in us, growing us, and reminding us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As we lay down our burdens and follow His voice, we find ourselves amazed—like the master of the banquet—at the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience Opens the Door to God’s Miracles
The servants at Cana didn’t understand the outcome, but their willingness to do exactly what Jesus said—filling the jars to the brim—was the catalyst for the miracle. In our lives, God often asks for simple acts of obedience that may not make sense in the moment, but our faithfulness creates space for Him to work in ways we can’t imagine. [14:18]
- Transformation Begins with Surrender
Mary’s instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” is a call to surrender our own agendas and trust Jesus with the outcome. When we bring our emptiness, our hurts, and our needs to Him, He is able to transform them—turning water into wine, sorrow into joy, and brokenness into wholeness. [27:12]
- Remembering God’s Faithfulness Fuels Our Faith
It’s easy to become like Thomas, doubting even after seeing God’s work in our lives. We must intentionally remember the “water-into-wine” moments—those times when Jesus intervened and changed everything. This remembrance strengthens us for future challenges and keeps our hearts anchored in gratitude. [23:24]
- Forgiveness is a Command, Not a Suggestion
Jesus’ command to forgive is not just for the benefit of others, but for our own freedom. Holding onto resentment, even when justified, poisons our hearts and blocks the flow of God’s grace. True obedience means letting go, trusting Jesus to heal and redeem what we cannot fix ourselves. [16:21]
- God Uses Ordinary People and Moments for Extraordinary Purposes
Jesus could have filled the jars Himself, but He chose to involve the servants. In the same way, He invites us to participate in His work, using our everyday actions and choices to reveal His glory. No act of obedience is too small for God to use in a miraculous way. [20:13]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Vision Statement: Meeting Needs Through God’s Love
[01:17] - Humor and Church Life
[01:52] - Prayer and Surrendering Our Troubles
[02:29] - Introduction to Miracles in Scripture
[03:50] - Personal Testimony: God’s Miracles in Our Lives
[04:30] - The Gospels and the Miracles of Jesus
[05:09] - John’s Perspective: More Than What’s Written
[06:23] - The First Public Miracle: Water into Wine
[07:38] - Reading and Reflecting on John 2
[10:07] - Jesus’ Invitation and Relationships
[12:04] - Mary’s Faith and the Servants’ Obedience
[14:18] - Obedience and the Overflowing Jars
[16:21] - The Challenge and Freedom of Forgiveness
[18:56] - The Master of the Banquet’s Amazement
[20:13] - God’s Use of Ordinary People
[22:46] - Doubt, Faith, and Remembering God’s Work
[24:43] - Personal Application: What Is Jesus Asking of You?
[27:12] - Bringing Our Mess to Jesus
[29:41] - Becoming the Righteousness of God
[30:22] - Laying Down Our Burdens
[32:20] - Announcements and Closing
[37:13] - Baptism and Testimony
[39:04] - Offering, Gratitude, and Final Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: "Obedience and the Miracle at Cana"
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### Bible Reading
John 2:1-11 (ESV)
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
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### Observation Questions
1. What instructions did Mary give to the servants at the wedding, and how did they respond? ([12:41])
2. How much water did the servants put into the jars, and why is that detail important in the story? ([13:31])
3. What was the reaction of the master of the banquet when he tasted the wine, and what does that show about the miracle? ([18:56])
4. According to the sermon, what was the purpose of this miracle beyond just providing wine for the wedding? ([08:52])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” even after Jesus seemed hesitant? What does this say about her faith and understanding of Jesus? ([12:41])
2. The servants obeyed Jesus without knowing what would happen. What does this teach us about the relationship between obedience and faith? ([14:18])
3. The sermon mentioned that obedience often comes before the miracle. Why might God ask us to do things that don’t make sense to us at the time? ([14:55])
4. The story ends with the disciples believing in Jesus. How does witnessing God’s work in our lives help build our faith, especially when we struggle with doubt like Thomas? ([23:24])
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### Application Questions
1. Mary’s words, “Do whatever he tells you,” are simple but challenging. Is there something you sense Jesus is asking you to do right now that you’ve been hesitant about? What’s holding you back? ([12:41])
2. The servants filled the jars “to the brim.” Are there areas in your life where you tend to hold back instead of giving your all in obedience? What would it look like to “fill the jars to the brim” in your current situation? ([13:31])
3. The sermon talked about bringing our “empty jars”—our hurts, failures, and resentments—to Jesus. What is one area of brokenness or emptiness you need to surrender to Him this week? ([27:12])
4. Forgiveness was described as a command, not a suggestion, and as something that sets us free. Is there someone you need to forgive, even if it feels impossible? What step could you take toward that this week? ([16:21])
5. The pastor shared how easy it is to forget the miracles God has already done. Can you remember a “water-into-wine” moment in your life? How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when you face new challenges? ([23:24])
6. The miracle at Cana involved ordinary people doing ordinary things. What is one small act of obedience you can do this week that might open the door for God to work in a new way? ([20:13])
7. The sermon mentioned that obedience isn’t always easy and sometimes comes with reluctance. When have you obeyed God even when you didn’t feel like it? What was the result? ([17:01])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to obey, even when it doesn’t make sense, and for the faith to trust Him with the outcome. Invite Him to transform your “ordinary” into something extraordinary this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience to Jesus Opens the Door for Miracles
When we choose to do what Jesus says, even when it doesn’t make sense or feels difficult, we position ourselves to witness God’s miraculous work in our lives. The servants at the wedding in Cana didn’t know what would happen when they filled the jars with water, but their simple obedience led to a miracle that blessed everyone present. In the same way, our willingness to follow Jesus’ instructions—whether it’s forgiving someone, loving our neighbor, or stepping out in faith—can lead to unexpected blessings and transformation. [14:55]
John 2:1-11 (ESV)
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Reflection: What is one specific thing Jesus has been prompting you to do lately that you’ve been hesitant about? What would it look like to take a step of obedience today, even if you don’t see the outcome?
Day 2: Remembering and Celebrating the Miracles in Your Life
It’s easy to forget the ways Jesus has worked in our lives, especially when new challenges arise. But just as the master of the banquet was amazed by the wine, we are called to remember and be floored by the miracles God has done for us—big and small. Reflecting on these moments not only stirs up gratitude but also strengthens our faith for whatever we face next. Don’t let the troubles of this world steal your joy; instead, remind yourself of the “water turned to wine” moments in your own story. [25:56]
Psalm 77:11-14 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.
Reflection: Take a few minutes to write down or share with someone a specific time when God turned a difficult situation around in your life. How does remembering this miracle encourage you today?
Day 3: Forgiveness Sets You Free
Jesus commands us to forgive others, not just for their sake, but for our own freedom. Holding onto resentment—even when it feels justified—becomes a poison that weighs us down and steals our joy. True freedom begins when we obey Jesus’ call to forgive, trusting that He knows the pain we carry and wants to heal us. Even if forgiveness feels impossible, God’s Spirit can help us take the first step. [16:21]
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, even if it’s just in your heart? Ask God to help you take one step toward releasing that burden and experiencing His freedom.
Day 4: God Transforms Our Mess into His Righteousness
No matter how broken or messy our lives may feel, Jesus is able to take what seems hopeless and transform it into something beautiful and righteous. Just as He turned water into wine, He can turn our failures, regrets, and pain into testimonies of His grace. We are not defined by our mistakes, but by what Jesus can do with a surrendered heart. [29:41]
2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come... For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels like a “mess” right now? How can you invite Jesus to transform it, trusting Him to bring something good out of it?
Day 5: Dig Deeper—Let God’s Word Change You
God’s Word is alive and powerful, meant to be more than just read quickly or checked off a list. When we slow down, dig deeper, and ask God to speak to us, He reveals new insights and brings real change to our hearts. Like Mary said, “Do whatever he tells you”—and we discover what He says by spending time in Scripture and listening for His voice. [09:33]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Reflection: Set aside ten minutes today to slowly read a passage of Scripture (perhaps John 2:1-11 again). What stands out to you, and what do you sense God is saying to you through His Word?
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