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Changing Water to Wine - John 2:1-11
1. What does this story say about people?
In this passage, John wrote how at a wedding the best wine was served first and later the
poorest in flavor was served last. People have the tendency to bring out their best first, but later
in life they lose interest and effort. We should always bring out our best always.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
Jesus came to save the world. Jesus took this opportunity to be with people. During that
time weddings lasted for about a week. When the wine ran out, Mary ask Jesus for a favor. Jesus
indicated His time was not yet come. Jesus was accompanied by His disciples. When Jesus turn
water into wine, it demonstrated God’s power. His disciples believe when they witness His first
miracle.
3. What does this story say about you?
I should not wait for this life to provide me with the best. Jesus is always there, ready to
provide His best. When life seams dull, hard and it makes me tiered, I know there is more to it.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
Everyone should hear this story, specially those new in Christ. The story does not present
Jesus as someone that has super powers. It demonstrates how He has dominion of all His
creation. Jesus was in the beginning and He is God (Jon.1:1). Even kids should hear the story, as
it shows how Jesus obeyed His mother Mary.
Healing the Official’s Son - John 4:46-54
1. What does this story say about people?
Most people don’t believe unless they see miracles, signs or wonders because of a lack
of faith. But, when someone truly believe that there is nothing impossible that God can do,
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anything is possible. It also shows how no matter how much authority we have on this earth,
Jesus Christ has authority over everyone.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
The first time I read it, I taught Jesus was frustrated by the lack of faith we humans have.
But, Jesus in His love and mercy just addressed how we lack faith. Jesus still, felt compassion for
the government official. Jesus has the power to heal, and is not restricted by time of distance. It
does not matter that Jesus is in heaven, He is always there for us. There is nothing that He can’t
do.
3. What does this story say about you?
I’m wheelchair bound since January. As a military veteran, I have many medical
problems. It’s not due to lack of faith that I’m still this way. It’s not that I don’t believe that Jesus
has the power to heal me, I just don’t ask for it because I don’t feel worthy of it. Therefore, I
pray for the healing of others and their needs.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
All Christian should hear this story. The story speaks of faith, and how anyone who
believes can ask and pray to Jesus Christ. We are all in need and must hear it. We are all in a
broken world, full of suffering and despair. Prayer is an essential part of being a Christian. We
have a personal relationship with God when we pray, praise Him by giving thanks for what He
has done for us.
The Invalid of Bethesda - John 5:1-17
1. What does this story say about people?
Like the Pharisees, many are more concern about rules than taken care of someone else.
Here a man was lame for 38 years and was heal. Instead of rejoicing with him, he stands accused
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of breaking a law. Are you following God’s law or man-made? At times, we get caught up
judging other, instead we should reach out and help them with their needs.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
Jesus commanded the lame man to stand up and pickup his pallet, and later told the man
not to sin in order to be spiritually healed. God’s forgiveness for our sins is the greatest gift we
can receive. When confronted by the Pharisees Jesus identified Himself with God, His Father.
With this statement, there is no doubt to Jesus claim to be God. These gives me an opportunity to
clarify who Jesus is in relation to God.
3. What does this story say about you?
It’s more important for me to be forgiven of my sins than regaining my ability to walk
normal. God is using me in my current condition to help others, specially relation with those with
disabilities. I allow me to share this story with them and help them come to Christ so their sins
can be forgiven, not to get up and pick up their wheelchairs.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
Those with physical disabilities need to hear this story. Jesus has the power to heal
anyone. But the main part of the story is forgiveness of sins by God in order to be healed
spiritually. Christ is ready to work in our lives, but we need to accept His miracles and not be to
concerns about how He does it.
The Feeding of the 5,000 - John 6:5-14
1. What does this story say about people?
People try to analyze a problem without consulting with God. As Christians, we might pull
away from mission because we do not have financial resources. We can limit what God is able to
provide if we do not believe.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
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Jesus was testing Philip in order to strengthen his faith. When Philip was looking for a
solution, Jesus was pointing out the miracle that He was to perform. Jesus can turn something
that might seem small and turned into an abundance of resources.
3. What does this story say about you?
I need to trust Jesus Christ that He can take what little I have and use it for the greater
good. I also need to trust Him that He will provide resources for the ministries that I’m involved
in. I need to trust He is in control of my life and believe I can do impossible task.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
We all need to hear this story. We are all in the mission field. The mission can be in our
own homes, at work, non-believers and the Body of Christ. Some, believe they don’t have the
ability of resources to accomplish them. By trusting the Lord, those that hear the story will
understand how something that might look impossible can be accomplished with God.
Jesus Walking On The Water - John 6:16-21 (25-35)
1. What does this story say about people?
Many seek to satisfy their physical needs instead of their spiritual life. In this passage, the
people were seeking to take care of their physical needs and for Jesus to feed them. Instead, they
should have been concerned with satisfying their spiritual hunger.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
Jesus want us to seek Him to feed our spiritual hunger and not physical needs. Jesus
brought up the fact we must believe in Him by the works He accomplished by being the Son of
God. Jesus will feed our souls, with what matter most. To seek the things from above and not of
this earth.
3. What does this story say about you?
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I don’t need to worry about my physical and temporal needs. Manna was not provided by
Moses, but by God. Seeking bread from heaven (Scripture / Gospel). I need to feed my soul, and
be hungry for the food that endures to eternal life. To be fill by what Jesus provides.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
True believes need to hear this story because they understand Jesus is the truth and the
way to eternal life. In order to grow as followers of Christ, we need to feed our self with what is
in the Bible. The Bible gives us the spiritual food that we need. Also, those that have not yet
accepted Christ most hear this story. They need to accept Jesus affirmation as the Son of God.
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind – John 9:1-41
1. What does this story say about people?
Some believe that because you have a sickness or disability you must have sin or your
parents did. Even though we are all born in sin, sin has nothing to do with our physical condition.
Disease is not related to sin. If God would take our suffering away, people would only follow
God for comfort and not for devotion. People are quick to judge what they don’t understand.
They should look past their own believes and trust what God is doing.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
Jesus is the Son of God and the light of the world. He taught about spiritual blindness.
Our eyes might be open, but our soul is blind. Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind. Jesus is
the redeemer. He wants us to recognize Him as the Son of God.
3. What does this story say about you?
My past behavior can’t be excuse because I was blind. I could see and understood the
difference between right and wrong. I eventually came back to Christ and realize that I don’t
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need to know everything in order to share Him with others. It is important for me to share how
Jesus Christ has change my life, and how He can change their lives.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
Everyone must hear this story. The story shows how Jesus is the light of the world. How
He came to this world to open the eyes of those with spiritual blindness. Persecution may come
ones we are no longer blind from others. Once we can see, and begging to understand who Jesus
is as we walk with Him.
The Resurrection of Lazarus – John 11:17-46
1. What does this story say about people?
The story shows the faith of those following Christ. Martha knew we’ll rise again in the
resurrection of the last days, but she also had faith the Jesus could resurrect her brother. People
may face trials, but these trials can bring glory to God. God uses any situation for His glory.
When people are in need, they should not hesitate in asking God for help and understanding. God
allow things to happen to us, in order to grow our faith. It also shows how some will still denied
Jesus and refuse to believe in Him.
2. What does this story say about Jesus?
Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. Those that believe in Him will have eternal
life. The story also shows Christ feeling emotions that we all feel. It shows His humanity by
demonstrating He sorrow when he wept for Lazarus, compassion and frustration with us. Jesus
comfort us when we are hurt. But, Jesus not only wept because Lazarus had die, He wept
because He had to bring Lazarus back from where he was and bring him to this broken world.
3. What does this story say about you?
I know that by believing Christ we would never die. Our bodies might die, but no our
soul. We’ll conquer over dead with Christ. I believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and
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that no one comes to the Father expect throw Him. I am not afraid of losing my mortal life, I
believe I will see the glory of God and majesty. I know that God listen to all my prayers and
request. I believe He answers all of them, in ways that will glorify Him.
4. Who needs to hear this story?
This story must be heard by everyone. First, those that hear most acknowledge Jesus is
the Son of God. It demonstrates how Jesus has power over death. Those that believe in Him will
have eternal life. Those that hear the story will know the love that Jesus has for us. Finally, it
also demonstrates Jesus love for His father, and how He thank Him for what He can do.
Reflection and Application
For me it was helpful that I had previously read and study the book of John. I can use the
stories in a Bible study or preaching. This past Sunday I preach on Colossians 3 and what we
should do as Christians. The stories that we covered show others how Jesus is the Son of God.
His power over earth, our need for Him, His care for us, humanity, deity, and He is the way to
salvation and eternal life.
The stories have allowed me to understand that God has a plan for everyone. It does not
matter who we are, disabilities, or capacities. There is a special place for each of us in His plan.
Because of my previous understanding, I don’t blame God for my condition. I have embraced
and found ways to use it in ministry.
By using the four questions in each of the stories, I can better present them to others. It’s
an easy way to get them thinking and to discuss the learning. I visit a local Guatemalan Church.
A change that I’ll implement is simplifying the questions and material. A way to simplifying is
by using illustrations that they can relate to the questions. I trust God will provide me wisdom
and knowledge to use it for His Glory. God Bless!
