THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Why do we memorize God’s word? Jesus memorized scripture and He also invites us to this practice for the purpose of renewing our minds and transforming our lives. Memorizing scripture helps us know who God is and His will for us, see the world through His eyes, fight temptation, live in obedience, share the Gospel message and enjoy a hidden life with Christ.

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three gather in my name,

there am I with them."

Choose to spend a few minutes each day reciting the verse above, allowing its truth to shape your thoughts and heart. Write it out. Put it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge or car dashboard.

personal reflection & small group materials

Anchor Scripture: John 2:1-12

Jesus demonstrated great generosity and extravagant love when he turned water to wine in his first miracle performed in Cana. As we spend time with him and become like him we too can spend ourselves in generous ways.

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.

After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.

Small Group Intro Week 6

Reflection and Small Group Questions

Use the lectio divina practice to reflect upon the anchor scripture. What words or ideas stood out to you? Why?

Pull back from the specific details of this wedding scene. What Kingdom values is Jesus displaying in this miracle?

What is one of the most generous gifts or actions you have received from someone? How did you feel in receiving it? How did you feel toward the giver?

For you personally, what attitude, idea, or practice can you apply from this passage to help you to “live like Jesus” in your own life? (OK Episcopalians…move beyond “serving high end wine to friends.”)

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Take time each week to listen to how the Spirit guides you to make space in your life for others:

• Intentionally create time with a neighbor, member of the church, co-worker or unchurched friend. (meal, coffee, phone call, or walk)

• Pray for God’s grace to listen and be attentive to them.

• After the occasion is over, ask to pray about concerns raised or ask, “How can I be praying for you?”

• The following week, check with them about how life is going.