FEB 18 / Sunday – Read John 2:1-11 / John 3:1-17
Overview: Jesus’ first miracle: turning the water into wine at a wedding in Cana. But it wasn’t so much about alchemy as it was a social favor.
19 / Mon – Jesus loves me, this I know | Read John 3:16
The focus of this Lent series will be on the love Jesus demonstrated throughout his earthly life which ultimately culminated with his death and resurrection. This week we’ll consider the first two stories John recorded. But before we start, what are some different ways you have seen the love of Jesus at work in your life? When has his mercy spared you from the consequences of your willful decisions? In what ways has he poured out grace that you did not deserve?
20 / Tue – An imminent social disaster | Read John 2:1-5
The days-long wedding celebration in Cana was out of wine, an embarrassing situation for the host. When Mary heard this, she immediately let Jesus know, only to have Him wonder aloud why He was being involved. Mary did not respond to that, nor did she ask Him to produce more wine. Instead, she trusted Him completely with the situation, telling the attendants to “Do whatever He tells you.” Has something ever gone terribly wrong for you at a critical time, leaving you feeling helpless? How willing are you to “do whatever He tells you” when something seems impossible?
21 / Wed – A strange request | Read John 2:6-11
The servants at the Cana wedding did exactly what Jesus told them to do without questioning, even though they had to be wondering why. Imagine their reactions when the water they had collected became top-notch wine. The wedding host was none the wiser as to where it came from, but the servants knew. Although they were the lowest-ranking people by far, they witnessed Jesus’ first miracle. Does God’s direction for you sometimes appear not to make sense? Do you keep on following Him anyway? What are some of the outcomes when you do…or don’t?
22 / Thu – Born again | Read John 3:1-13
Jesus was talking with a Pharisee, a teacher of the law and member of the Jewish ruling council. What truth did Nicodemus trip over in v 3-4? Try summarizing Jesus’ answer from v 5-8 in one sentence. Why is this truth so important for us to understand? Have you, like Nicodemus, found yourself unable to understand a spiritual principle because it does not make sense to you? Will you continue to ask your questions, as Nicodemus did, and then listen with an open heart?
23 / Fri – No condemnation | Read John 3:14-18 / Romans 8:1
This continuation of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus contains the most well-known verse in the Bible. It has become a part of our culture and you can see it in the most unusual places. But have you ever read John 3:16 in context? What are some new insights you gain when you do so? How do Jesus’ words highlight the reason he came and the love that motivated him? Do you know anyone who says they feel condemned by Christians? What answer could you give?
24 / Sat – Going to the Source | Read John 2:5 / John 3:17
As you read both accounts this week, who did you most relate to? Was it Jesus’ mother who saw a need she couldn’t fix? Maybe it was the wedding host who was facing humiliation? Or the servants who filled the empty wine jars with the water? Maybe you relate most to Nicodemus who knew a lot about the scriptures but was still puzzled by the truth Jesus was teaching. All of these people experienced Jesus’ love in a way that was specific to their situation. Are you willing to bring your needs or questions or confusion to Jesus and let him tell you what you need to know?
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