January 19th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"From Water to Wow: The Wedding that Changed Everything" Text: John 2:1-11

Lectionary Readings — Second Sunday after the Epiphany — January 19, 2025

Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

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Call to Worship (based on John 2:1-11)

Leader: Come, for our Lord turns water into wine!

People: We come to the wedding feast of grace.

Leader: At Cana in Galilee, Jesus revealed His glory

People: And His disciples put their faith in Him.

Leader: Where there was scarcity, He brought abundance

People: Where there was emptiness, He brought fullness.

Leader: When the wine had run out, Mary turned to her Son

People: And Jesus responded with miraculous power.

Leader: Six stone jars were filled with water

People: And transformed into the finest wine.

Leader: Come, for the best has been saved until now!

People: We come to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Leader: Through ordinary things, Christ shows extraordinary love

People: Through common moments, He reveals divine glory.

Leader: Let us gather at His table of grace

People: Let us celebrate His transforming presence.

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Opening Prayer (based on Isaiah 62:1-5)

Let us pray:

Loving Father,

Like Your servant Isaiah who declared he would not keep silent until Your righteousness shines forth, we come before You today with hearts full of anticipation and hope. Just as You promised to rename Jerusalem and make her Your crown of splendor, we trust that You continue to transform Your people.

Lord, we especially lift up those among us who are hurting today: our sick and suffering brothers and sisters, those wrestling with doubt and depression, families facing financial hardship, and relationships in need of healing. Be their strong tower and refuge.

As You rejoice over Your people like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, help us to rest in the assurance of Your unfailing love. May we, Your church, reflect Your light in this community. Transform us until we shine with Your righteousness, until all nations see Your glory displayed in our midst.

Give us Isaiah's passion to persist in prayer, to stand watch until we see Your promises fulfilled. Strengthen our faith to believe that You can make something new and beautiful from what seems desolate and forgotten.

We offer this prayer in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom and Redeemer.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "From Water to Wow: The Wedding that Changed Everything" (John 2:1-11)

Introduction:

• Setting the scene at a wedding in Cana

• Cultural context of Jewish weddings and their significance

• Introduction to this as Jesus' first "sign" in John's Gospel

I. The PREDICAMENT at the Party (verses 1-3)

A. The social significance of running out of wine

B. Mary's approach to Jesus

C. The human tendency to bring our lacks to Jesus

II. The PROCESS of the Provision (verses 4-8)

A. Jesus' mysterious response: "My hour has not yet come"

B. The servants' role

C. The transformation

III. The PERFECTION of the Product (verses 9-10)

A. The steward's amazement

B. The symbolism of transformation

C. The abundance of the miracle

IV. The PURPOSE of the Performance (verse 11)

A. Manifestation of glory

B. The disciples' response

C. The pattern for all signs in John

Conclusion:

1. Jesus transforms the ordinary into extraordinary

2. He saves the best for last

3. The call to "do whatever He tells you"

4. The invitation to see and believe

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers