What Concern is That?

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants discuss, “Think about a time when you were in a familiar place but experienced something unexpected.”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read John 2:1-11.

• Where did the scripture take place? Why is it significant? [The miracle occurs at a wedding in Cana, a setting symbolizing joy and abundance, fitting for Jesus’ first public act.]
• In John 2:1-11, Jesus responds to Mary by saying, “What concern is that to you and to me?” Why do you think he responded this way? How does his response set the stage for the miracle that follows? [Jesus’ response suggests a distinction between his earthly relationships and his divine mission. This moment emphasizes that his actions are aligned with God’s timing rather than human expectations.]
• Jesus uses stone jars meant for purification to perform the miracle. What might this choice symbolize about his mission or message? [The stone jars represent traditional Jewish rituals of purification. This miracle could symbolize transformation and the fulfillment of religious practices through his presence, as he brings new life to existing traditions.]
• What does the transformation of water into wine reveal about Jesus’ identity and mission? [This miracle reveals Jesus’ divine authority over nature and his ability to bring abundance and joy. It also signifies his mission to transform lives, symbolized by turning ordinary water into wine.]
• “Where is our mission field? That’s the question behind this week’s theme for Ordinary Time. And the quick answer is, right where you are. Sometimes we are called to the wider world, to venture out into unknown places to make disciples. But most of the time, we are called to be at work in the community that surrounds us. We are called to be witnesses to the grace and goodness of God where we live, work, and play” (Worship Note Jan. 19).

• The servants at the wedding played a role in Jesus’ miracle (filling jars with water). What does this teach us about our part in God’s mission field? Where are we?
• What is one small action you can take this week to bring God’s grace and goodness into a familiar setting in your life?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious and loving God, thank You for meeting us in our everyday moments and revealing Your power in the familiar. Help us open our hearts to Your transformative love this week so that we may embrace the ordinary with eyes of faith. Guide us to see how You work in our lives and empower us to respond with trust and gratitude. Amen.

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This content was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.

Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, Director of Adult Discipleship, served in local churches for twenty years. She has a wealth of experience at a variety of organizational levels of The United Methodist Church as well as in ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also enjoys serving as a coach to help people and churches grow.