Overview

John 2 records two major events in the early ministry of Jesus:

1. The Wedding at Cana – where Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1–11).

2. The Cleansing of the Temple – where Jesus drives out the money changers (John 2:13-25).

These two events introduce critical aspects of Jesus‘ identity and mission. The miracle at Cana, Jesus‘ first recorded sign, reveals His divine power and affirms His glory. The temple cleansing underscores His authority as Messiah and His zeal for the purity of worship. Together, these events demonstrate Jesus’ control over both the natural and religious realms, pointing to His divine sovereignty.

Theologically, this chapter affirms:

• The deity of Christ through His miraculous power.

• The fulfillment of Old Testament expectations.

• Jesus as the inaugurator of a new covenant.

• A call to pure worship and reverence for God’s holiness.

All events are rooted in the authority of Scripture and align with a literal, historical reading of the text, upholding its inerrancy and infallibility.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

• Wedding Culture in 1st-Century Judea: Weddings were multi-day communal celebrations. Running out of wine was a serious social embarrassment, symbolizing a failure of hospitality and joy. Jesus’ intervention was both compassionate and purposeful.

• Temple Practices: The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. By the first century, commercial activities like selling animals and exchanging money had invaded the temple courts, corrupting the worship space.

• Messianic Expectation: Jews of the time anticipated a Messiah who would purify and restore proper worship. Jesus‘ actions in the temple aligned with these prophetic expectations (see Malachi 3:1-3; Zechariah 14:21).

Literary Insights

• John arranges his Gospel around seven signs to reveal Jesus‘ glory and encourage belief (John 20:31). The Cana miracle is the first of these.

• The chapter transitions from private revelation (wedding) to public confrontation (temple), showing Jesus‘ progressive unveiling.

• John‘s use of symbolism (e.g., water into wine representing new life, temple cleansing symbolizing judgment and renewal) points to deeper theological meanings consistent with the literal events.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. Jesus’ Divine Power and Sovereignty

• Turning water into wine demonstrates Jesus’ sovereign authority over creation. He is not just a prophet—He is the Creator in flesh (cf. John 1:3).

• Doctrinal Point: Jesus is God, fully divine, with power over nature (Colossians 1:16-17).

2. Glory Revealed through Miraculous Signs

• The miracle at Cana “revealed His glory” (John 2:11), pointing to His divine identity.

• Glory in Scripture is tied to God’s manifest presence. Jesus revealed His deity in tangible, unmistakable ways.

3. The Beginning of a New Covenant

• Water pots used for Jewish purification rites were transformed into vessels of new wine—symbolizing the shift from the old covenant to the joy and fulfillment of the new covenant through Christ.

• Doctrinal Point: Jesus brings fullness and fulfillment (Hebrews 8:6-13).

4. The Holiness of Worship

• Jesus’ actions in the temple confront corrupted worship. His righteous anger reflects God’s intolerance of irreverence in His house.

• Doctrinal Point: True worship must be pure, reverent, and centered on God’s holiness (Leviticus 10:3; John 4:24).

5. Christ as the New Temple

• Jesus declares, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” referring to His body (John 2:19-21).

• Doctrinal Point: Jesus replaces the physical temple as the meeting place between God and man. He is the ultimate High Priest, Sacrifice, and Presence (Hebrews 9:11-14; John 1:14).

6. Genuine Faith Versus Superficial Belief

• Many “believed” in Jesus’ name after seeing signs (John 2:23), but Jesus did not entrust Himself to them (v.24-25). This highlights the difference between true saving faith and shallow interest.

• Doctrinal Point: True faith involves repentance, trust, and surrender—not merely being impressed by miracles (James 2:19-20).

Here is the continuation of the Expository Bible Preaching, Sermon, and Study Guide for John 2, with the requested detailed components:

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: John 2 (NIV)

John 2:1–2

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”

• Literal Explanation: This event took place shortly after Jesus called His first disciples (John 1). The “third day” may refer to the timing of travel or a sequence in John’s narrative. Cana was a small village in Galilee.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus affirms the goodness of marriage and social joy. His presence at the wedding shows God’s concern with ordinary human life and relationships (cf. Genesis 2:18–24).

• Application: Christians are to reflect Christ in family and social settings. His presence sanctifies gatherings when He is honored.

John 2:3–5

“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”

• Literal Explanation: Mary identifies the problem. Jesus’ response, though seemingly harsh in English, was respectful in Greek culture (“Woman” ≈ “Ma’am”). “My hour” refers to His ultimate glorification through death and resurrection.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus operates on divine timing, not human expectation. Yet Mary’s faith demonstrates trust in His wisdom.

• Application: We should trust Christ’s timing, even when we don’t understand His delays.

John 2:6–10

“Nearby stood six stone water jars… Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’… and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine…”

• Literal Explanation: The jars held water for ceremonial purification (Mark 7:3). Jesus transforms the water into wine, a sign of transformation and blessing.

• Cross-Reference: Amos 9:13–14 and Isaiah 25:6 portray the Messianic age as a time of abundant wine and joy.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant. His ministry brings joy, cleansing, and abundance (Hebrews 10:1–10).

• Application: Christ brings internal transformation that is more abundant and lasting than outward rituals.

John 2:11

“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

• Literal Explanation: This is the first public miracle recorded by John. It reveals Jesus‘ glory, prompting faith in His disciples.

• Doctrinal Insight: Miracles in John point to spiritual truths about Jesus‘ identity as the Messiah and Son of God (John 20:30–31).

• Application: Jesus’ works are meant to inspire true belief, not just amazement.

John 2:13–16

“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem… he drove all from the temple courts…”

• Literal Explanation: The Passover was a major pilgrimage feast. Jesus finds corruption in the temple courts and forcefully removes it.

• Cross-Reference: Psalm 69:9, quoted in verse 17, is a messianic psalm reflecting zeal for God’s house.

• Doctrinal Insight: God’s holiness demands reverent worship. Jesus, as God’s Son, has divine authority over the temple (Malachi 3:1–3).

• Application: Our churches, ministries, and personal worship must reflect reverence, not commercialism or self-interest.

John 2:17

“His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’”

• Literal Explanation: The disciples connect Jesus’ actions to Scripture (Psalm 69:9), showing that His behavior fulfills prophecy.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah‘s passion for pure worship.

• Application: Christians should pursue holiness and integrity in worship, reflecting Christ’s own zeal.

John 2:18–22

“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ But the temple he had spoken of was his body…”

• Literal Explanation: The Jews misunderstand Jesus’ words. He refers to His death and resurrection, not the physical temple.

• Cross-Reference: Matthew 26:61 and Acts 6:14 reveal how this statement was later twisted by His enemies.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus is the new temple—God’s dwelling among men (John 1:14). His resurrection affirms His authority (Romans 1:4).

• Application: Our worship centers on Christ, not buildings or rituals. He is the foundation of our faith.

John 2:23–25

“Many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them…”

• Literal Explanation: These people believed in a superficial way. Jesus, knowing their hearts, didn’t entrust Himself to them.

• Doctrinal Insight: True saving faith involves repentance and surrender, not just emotional or intellectual assent (John 8:31; James 2:19).

• Application: Examine whether your faith is based on who Jesus truly is—or just what He can do for you.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

John 2 presents Christ as:

• The Sovereign Son of God – who turns water into wine and cleanses the temple with divine authority.

• The Source of True Joy and Transformation – His miracle at Cana shows that He inaugurates a new era of grace and abundance (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• The Fulfillment of the Temple – In His person and resurrection, He becomes the true meeting place between God and man (Hebrews 9:11–15).

• The Revealer of God’s Glory – Every miracle or sign points back to the deeper truth of His divine nature and messianic mission (John 1:14).

This chapter points forward to:

• His death and resurrection, which are foreshadowed in His reference to the “temple” being raised in three days.

• The coming New Covenant, where external rituals give way to internal renewal through Christ.

Jesus is central to every part of this chapter—miracles, judgment, prophecy, and revelation.

Connection to the Father

• Jesus’ Obedience to the Father’s Will: Even when prompted by His mother, Jesus responds, “My hour has not yet come” (v.4), revealing His commitment to the Father’s divine timetable (cf. John 5:19).

• Cleansing the Temple Reflects the Father’s Holiness: Jesus, full of the Father’s holiness and justice, defends the sanctity of God’s house—His Father’s house (John 2:16).

• Revealing the Father’s Glory: The signs Jesus performs are not for self-exaltation but to reveal the Father’s glory through the Son (John 17:1).

• God’s Plan of Redemption Initiated: By stepping into His public ministry and pointing to His death and resurrection, Jesus walks in step with the Father’s redemptive plan established before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-10)

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of John 2

(Using the NIV, with literal explanation, doctrinal insight, cross-references, and application)

John 2:1–2

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”

• Literal Explanation: “The third day” likely refers to the timeline after Jesus called Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-51). The setting is a wedding—a symbol of joy, covenant, and community.

• Cross-Reference: Isaiah 62:5 – God rejoices over His people as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus dignifies marriage by His presence and involvement. It shows God’s affirmation of the institution (Genesis 2:24).

• Application: Christians should honor marriage as a covenant under God and welcome Christ into every aspect of life, including celebrations.

John 2:3-5

“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’”

• Literal Explanation: Mary informs Jesus of the crisis. Jesus gently corrects her, indicating His divine mission will unfold on His Father’s timetable.

• Cross-Reference: John 7:6, John 8:20 – “My time has not yet fully come.”

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus is not subject to human demands, not even from family. His mission follows the sovereign plan of the Father.

• Application: We must submit to God’s timing rather than pressuring Him to act on ours.

John 2:6-10

“Nearby stood six stone water jars… Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’… and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.”

• Literal Explanation: The stone jars held water for ceremonial washing. Jesus turns this water into high-quality wine.

• Cross-Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus’ first sign transforms water used for ritual purification into wine, symbolizing inward transformation and joy in the new covenant.

• Application: External religion cannot cleanse us. Only Jesus can bring true spiritual transformation and joy.

John 2:11

“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

• Literal Explanation: This is the first of Jesus’ signs recorded by John to reveal His divine glory.

• Cross-Reference: John 1:14 – “We have seen His glory.”

• Doctrinal Insight: Miracles reveal who Jesus is, not merely what He can do. This leads to true belief.

• Application: Faith grows when we recognize Christ’s glory and trust in who He is—not just what He gives.

John 2:13-16

“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem… he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money…”

• Literal Explanation: The outer temple courts had become a marketplace. Jesus, with righteous indignation, drives them out.

• Cross-Reference: Malachi 3:1-3; Psalm 69:9 – The Messiah comes to purify the temple.

• Doctrinal Insight: God is holy. True worship requires reverence and purity. Jesus displays divine authority to restore God’s house.

• Application: Worship must never be corrupted by personal gain. Churches must protect the sacredness of worship and reject commercialization.

John 2:17

“His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’”

• Literal Explanation: This is a direct quote from Psalm 69:9, a Messianic psalm. Jesus is filled with passion for God’s honor.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus is the righteous servant who fulfills the Scriptures. His zeal reflects divine holiness.

• Application: Do we approach worship with the same passion for God’s glory, or with indifference?

John 2:18-22

“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ …But the temple he had spoken of was his body.”

• Literal Explanation: The Jewish leaders misunderstand. Jesus is speaking prophetically of His death and resurrection.

• Cross-Reference: Matthew 26:61; Acts 2:24 – Jesus foretells the resurrection, the cornerstone of the Gospel.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus is the new temple. God’s presence is now revealed in Christ, not a building.

• Application: Our worship is centered on Christ’s person and work. We are now God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

John 2:23-25

“Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.”

• Literal Explanation: Many showed superficial belief based on miracles, but Jesus knew their hearts.

• Cross-Reference: John 6:26, Matthew 7:21 – Not all who claim to believe truly follow Christ.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus, as God, knows the hearts of men. Faith that pleases God must be sincere and born of the Spirit.

• Application: Examine your faith. Is it based on emotion or experience, or is it rooted in Christ’s truth and grace?

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

John 2 clearly exalts Jesus in His:

1. Authority over Creation – Turning water into wine shows divine creative power (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).

2. Fulfillment of Old Covenant Promises – The water jars and temple both represent old systems. Jesus fulfills and surpasses them (Hebrews 8:6).

3. Embodiment of God’s Glory – The signs reveal Jesus’ glory, affirming His divinity (John 1:14).

4. Foreshadowing of His Death and Resurrection – “Destroy this temple” points directly to His bodily resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

5. True Temple and Center of Worship – Jesus replaces the temple as the place where God meets man (John 4:21-24).

Jesus is the central figure not just in John 2 but in the entire Bible. He is the fulfillment of the law, the new covenant mediator, the purifier of worship, and the resurrected temple.

Connection to God the Father

1. Jesus Operates on the Father’s Timeline
   • “My hour has not yet come” (v.4) shows that Jesus is submitted to the Father’s sovereign plan (John 5:19).

   • This pattern continues throughout the Gospel (John 12:23; 17:1).

2. Jesus Reveals the Father’s Heart for Holiness
   • In cleansing the temple, Jesus acts out the Father’s passion for reverent, pure worship (Isaiah 1:11-17).

3. Jesus Acts with the Father’s Full Authority
   • He performs miracles and proclaims judgment not as a mere prophet but as the divine Son (John 10:30; Hebrews 1:1-3).

4. The Father Is Glorified Through the Son
   • The signs reveal Jesus’ glory, which is ultimately the Father’s glory (John 17:4-5).

   • The entire redemptive mission of Jesus is the unfolding of the Father’s eternal plan (Ephesians 1:3-10).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While John 2 does not directly mention the Holy Spirit, the Spirit’s role is implied and foundational in the events and truths that unfold:

1. The Holy Spirit Empowered Jesus’ Ministry

• Jesus’ public ministry, including the miracle at Cana and the temple cleansing, follows His baptism in John 1:32-34, where the Spirit descended on Him.

• Luke 4:1 confirms Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” as He began His ministry.

• The Spirit empowered the works that Jesus did (Acts 10:38), including the signs in John.

2. The Spirit and New Creation

• Turning water into wine symbolizes the inward transformation the Spirit brings in salvation.

• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

• The jars once used for ritual cleansing now hold something new—foreshadowing the Spirit’s work of inner cleansing in the new covenant.

3. Foreshadowing of the Indwelling Spirit

• Jesus as the new temple (John 2:21) points to the indwelling presence of God among His people through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:21-22).

• After Christ’s resurrection, the Holy Spirit would dwell in believers, making them the temple of God.

Sermon Outline and Flow: “The Glory of Christ in Everyday Life” (John 2)

Main Theme:

Jesus Christ reveals His glory and divine authority through signs, transformation, and zeal for true worship—inviting us to trust Him deeply and walk in Spirit-empowered faith.

I. Jesus Brings Glory Into Our Ordinary Moments (John 2:1-11)

Text Focus: The Wedding at Cana

• Explanation: Jesus attends a wedding and turns water into wine, revealing His glory through a quiet but powerful miracle.

• Doctrinal Insight: Christ transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary—He brings joy, fulfillment, and spiritual abundance.

• Application: Invite Jesus into every area of your life—your home, marriage, work, and celebrations.

• Illustration: Like a master chef transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet meal, Jesus takes what’s common and makes it glorious.

Transition: Just as Jesus transformed a celebration, He also calls us to transform worship. But it requires cleansing and correction.

II. Jesus Cleanses What is Corrupt (John 2:13-17)

Text Focus: The Cleansing of the Temple

• Explanation: Jesus drives out those who desecrate the temple with commercial activity.

• Doctrinal Insight: Worship must be holy. Jesus, filled with the zeal of the Spirit, confronts corruption and defends the Father’s house.

• Application: Evaluate the purity of your worship. Are your motives in church, ministry, and giving aligned with God’s glory or self-interest?

• Illustration: Just as a housecleaner exposes hidden filth under the rug, Jesus exposes the hidden sin in our lives and calls for repentance.

Transition: But transformation is not just external. Jesus reveals a deeper truth—He is the temple.

III. Jesus Is the New Temple and the True Meeting Place With God (John 2:18-22)

Text Focus: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

• Explanation: Jesus speaks of His body, predicting His death and resurrection.

• Doctrinal Insight: Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical temple—He is where God dwells among us. He is our access to the Father.

• Application: Trust not in religion or ritual, but in the risen Christ. He is the only way to God (John 14:6).

• Illustration: Like replacing a broken bridge with a permanent one, Jesus becomes the perfect connection between God and man.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

• Jesus Knows What’s in Your Heart (John 2:23-25):
  Are you following Him with sincere faith or superficial interest?

Call to Action:

• Invite Jesus into every area of your life and allow Him to transform it.

• Let the Holy Spirit purify your worship and make you a true temple of God.

• Trust in the risen Christ who is your access to the Father—He knows your heart and offers you real joy, real transformation, and real life.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern Wedding Celebration

• Imagine the panic when a wedding venue runs out of food. That’s the urgency Mary felt. Jesus didn’t just solve a problem—He brought overwhelming grace, like delivering the finest five-star menu unexpectedly.

2. Credit Card at the Church Door

• A pastor once told the story of visiting a church where tithes were collected through credit card swipes at the entrance—symbolizing how commerce can overshadow worship. Jesus would overturn those tables, too.

3. Renovation of a House

• When renovating a house, the builder often has to tear down old, unsafe structures before rebuilding. Jesus, in cleansing the temple, tore down what was corrupt so true worship could rise.

4. A Doctor’s Diagnosis

• Jesus sees what’s in the heart like a skilled doctor diagnosing a hidden illness. We may fool people with our religious actions, but we cannot fool Him. He calls us to genuine faith.

Application for Today’s Christian

John 2 is not just a historical record of Jesus‘ early ministry—it speaks directly to the life of every believer today. The chapter provides practical insights for living a Spirit-led, Christ-centered life in areas of discipleship, stewardship, and faithful witness.

1. Discipleship: Follow Jesus Even When You Don’t Understand

• Mary said to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).
  This is a model of trustful obedience.

• Practical Application: Obey Jesus even when you don’t see the outcome. Spiritual growth often begins with simple obedience.

• Ask: “What area of my life needs surrender to Christ’s lordship—my time, my habits, my attitude?”

2. Stewardship: Honor God in Worship and Resources

• The cleansing of the temple reminds us that God’s people are stewards of worship, not owners.

• Practical Application: Keep your heart and life uncluttered from selfish gain, greed, or distraction in your worship. Tithing, serving, and giving are not mere rituals—they reflect the condition of your heart.

• Evaluate how you manage God’s gifts. Do your finances, time, and talents serve His glory?

3. Living as God’s Temple

• Jesus points to His body as the temple (v.21). Today, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

• Practical Application: Live a holy life, remembering that your body and lifestyle reflect Christ to the world. Let purity, reverence, and gospel-centered purpose govern your decisions.

4. Deep Faith Over Shallow Belief

• Many believed in Jesus for His signs (v.23), but He did not entrust Himself to them.

• Practical Application: Don’t follow Jesus just for what He can do—follow Him for who He is. Grow deeper through prayer, Scripture study, and surrender.

Connection to God’s Love

John 2 reveals God’s love in powerful and tangible ways:

1. God Cares About the Details of Our Lives

• Jesus didn’t perform His first miracle at a funeral or temple—but at a wedding. This shows that God delights in human joy and cares about personal needs.

• He turned water into wine not just to prevent embarrassment but to bless others richly.

• God’s love is personal, compassionate, and timely (Matthew 6:31-33).

2. God’s Love is Purifying

• Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is an act of holy love—not hatred. He removes what is corrupt because He desires restored, pure communion with His people.

• Hebrews 12:6 – “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.”

• God’s love doesn’t leave us where we are. It changes us, sometimes forcefully, for our good.

3. God’s Love is Redemptive Through Christ

• Jesus foretells His death and resurrection by speaking of the destruction and raising of His body (John 2:19-21). This is the ultimate display of love.

• John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

• The temple of Jesus’ body would be destroyed for our sin and raised for our justification (Romans 4:25).

Broader Biblical Themes

John 2 contributes to major theological themes that run throughout Scripture:

1. Creation and New Creation

• Jesus transforms water (a symbol of the old order) into wine (a symbol of new joy and life).
  Just as God created the world in Genesis, Jesus begins a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• The new wine points to a new era of salvation and transformation through Christ.

2. Covenant Fulfillment

• The water jars were for Jewish purification rites. Jesus supersedes the old covenant by offering something better—Himself.

• Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete.”

• Jesus fulfills what the old system foreshadowed.

3. Temple Theology

• The temple was the central place for God’s presence and worship. But Jesus redefines this, pointing to His body as the true temple.

• After the resurrection, the Church becomes God’s dwelling place through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22).

• The destruction of the old temple (70 AD) and the rise of the church align with this shift in redemptive history.

4. Redemption Through Death and Resurrection

• Jesus’ veiled prophecy of His death (“Destroy this temple…”) introduces the heart of the gospel: God redeems through sacrifice and resurrection.

• This connects back to Passover themes and forward to the cross (John 1:29, Revelation 5:9).

Reflection Questions for Personal Study and Small Group Discussion

Use these questions to help individuals and groups deepen their engagement with the truths of John 2. Each question is designed to prompt prayerful self-examination, Scripture application, and spiritual growth.

Section 1: Jesus at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11)

1. What does Jesus’ presence at a wedding tell us about His concern for ordinary life events?
   • In what ways have you seen God’s hand in your daily routines or celebrations?

2. Mary said, “Do whatever He tells you.”
   • What area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to Jesus’ direction?

3. Jesus turned water into wine—a sign of transformation.
   • What area of your life do you long for Jesus to transform? How can you position yourself for that work?

Section 2: Jesus Cleansing the Temple (John 2:13-17)

1. Why was Jesus so passionate about the purity of worship in the temple?
   • Are there “tables” in your heart or church life that need to be overturned for true worship to happen?

2. Jesus’ zeal for God’s house consumed Him.
   • What consumes you most in your spiritual walk? How can your passion for God increase?

Section 3: Jesus as the New Temple (John 2:18-22)

1. Jesus referred to His body as the temple, pointing to His death and resurrection.
   • What does it mean for you that Jesus is now the place where you meet with God?

2. Jesus was not understood by the religious leaders, yet He spoke of deep spiritual truths.
   • How do you respond when God’s ways seem mysterious or misunderstood?

Section 4: True Belief vs. Superficial Faith (John 2:23-25)

1. Some believed because of signs, but Jesus knew their hearts.
   • Is your faith rooted in who Jesus is, or is it dependent on what He does for you?

2. Jesus did not entrust Himself to those with shallow faith.
   • How can you develop a deeper, more trusting relationship with Jesus?

Life Integration and Gospel Focus

1. How does this chapter challenge or encourage you in your walk with Christ?
   • What is one step you will take this week to grow in obedience, worship, or faith?

2. In what ways does John 2 point to the greater work of the cross and resurrection?
   • How does this deepen your appreciation for the gospel?

3. If your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should that affect your conduct, decisions, and worship?
   • What does it look like to live a “set apart” life that honors God’s presence in you?