Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this Scripture (for this lesson) is “Where is our mission field?” The Icebreaker invites youth to taste test grape juice to mimic what was happening with the wine at the wedding in Cana. The Discussion encourages students to think about ways in which Jesus’ mother played a pivotal role in his first miracle. The Activity allows youth thoughtfully to identify issues they see in the world and work to address them. Times are based on a 55-minute lesson period but can be adjusted.

Blind Grape Juice Showdown (15 minutes)

This is a blind taste test. Pour various brands of juice into 3-ounce cups. Invite each person to taste each brand. Have them rank the brand in “best quality to worst quality” and guess which brand they were given. The student who can most closely match the leader’s list wins the game.

Before the game, do your own taste test. Use your answers as the leader to determine which are actually best and worst quality.

Option 1:

If playing with a large group, consider using fewer brands but diluting the juice.

Option 2:

For added fun, consider adding sparkling grape juice and grape soda to the mix to confuse taste buds.

Option 3:

Set up a blind drink taste test, using the nonalcoholic examples you can find on TikTok or other platforms. Invite a small group of volunteers to be the tasters. Make sure non-tasters can see the box of correct answers. Consider awarding prizes.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture reading today – the story of the wedding at Cana – may be familiar to you. Specifically, ask students to pay attention to Jesus’ interaction with Mary.

John 2:1-11

Discussion (15 minutes)

What do weddings symbolize today? Do you think they symbolized the same things in the time of Scripture? (Joining of two people and of families, exchanging property, hope for the future)
In Jesus’ day, what do you think would happen if the wedding did not include wine?
Why do you think Jesus refers to his mother as “Woman”?
Have you ever been to a party or a celebration where food or drink ran out? How did you feel about it?
This is Jesus’ first time to perform a miracle. Why do you think this particular miracle was important?
Some traditions hold that in Jesus’ time and culture for weddings, the practice was to serve the best wine at the beginning of the meal and celebration, then to serve cheaper or less-tasty wine later in the celebration as a way to extend the party. Part of the miracle is how those celebrating appreciate the quality of the wine Jesus offers, even toward the end of the celebration. Do you think this might foreshadow the things that Jesus would offer throughout his life and ministry?
Have you ever been part of a celebration, event, or activity that started well and then kept getting better as it went on? How did that feel?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by involving students’ hands and imaginations. Give each student a sticky note or two and encourage them to write down a need they see around them. Encourage them to be thoughtful in their approach so that their words truly resonate personally. When they are done, invite them to add their sticky note on the board under “They have no wine.”

Now invite each student to walk around, read a problem or two, and write a thoughtful answer for how the problem might be addressed individually or as a group. You could also invite discussion as a group instead of having students individually address this.

Points for discussion:

As Christ-followers, we are called to be aware of the needs around us, to bring them to Jesus, and to act in faith.
Encourage participants to consider taking one actionable step this week to address a specific need they have identified.
Like Mary at the wedding at Cana, we are called not only to recognize problems but also to bring them to Jesus and act. Each of us can play a crucial role in transforming and enriching the lives of those around us.
Finally, we are called to be part of life that “keeps the party going.” We can provide experiences and encouragement for others at times when that support seems exhausted. God continues to give and to bless.

TOTAL TIME: 55 min.