The First Signs of His Glory
Purpose:
To see how Jesus reveals His glory in ordinary moments and confronts false worship, and to learn what this means for us today. Before, beginning the Lesson. Read John Chapter 2.
The Wedding at Cana
Jesus’ first miracle happened in a small-town wedding, not a grand temple. When the hosts ran out of wine, Mary told Jesus, “They have no more wine.” At first, Jesus replied that His time had not yet come, but in obedience to His Father’s plan, He transformed water into wine.
• Jesus Meets Real Needs – The miracle showed Jesus cares about everyday needs, not just “spiritual” ones.
• From Empty to Full – Six stone jars meant for ceremonial washing were filled with water and became overflowing with wine. Jesus brings transformation, turning emptiness into abundance.
• The Best Saved for Last – The master of the banquet was amazed at the quality of the wine. With Jesus, God’s best always comes in His timing.
Application:
Jesus cares about the details of our lives. When we feel empty, He can transform us. When we think we’ve seen the best, He shows us greater things still.
Cleansing the Temple
Later, when Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover, He found merchants selling animals and exchanging money in the temple courts. He made a whip, drove them out, and declared: “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
• Zeal for God’s House – Jesus showed passion for pure worship. The temple was meant to be a house of prayer, not profit.
• Authority of Jesus – When challenged, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” He was pointing to His death and resurrection.
• Faith Rooted in Him – Many believed in His miracles, but Jesus knew their hearts. True faith is more than amazement—it’s trust in His person and work.
The Temple Cleansing Expanded
The merchants may not have realized how wrong it had become. At first, they provided a convenience for travelers who couldn’t bring animals or who needed proper temple currency. What began as a practical service slowly shifted into noisy profit-making that blocked worship.
Another major hindrance was that this all took place in the Court of the Gentiles — the only place non-Jews could come and pray. Instead of quiet space for seeking God, they were met with merchants hawking animals, haggling over prices, and the clatter of coins. The atmosphere of prayer was drowned out by the sounds of business.
Even today, churches can face the same danger. Selling religious items, fundraising, or offering “convenient” shortcuts may not be sinful in themselves. But when they distract from worship or turn God’s house into business, Jesus still says:
“Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” (John 2:16)
Application:
Worship is not about rituals, money, or convenience. It’s about Jesus Himself. He is the true temple, the meeting place between God and man.
.Meditation
• Jesus reveals His glory in the ordinary (Cana).
• He transforms emptiness into abundance.
• God’s timing brings His best.
• Jesus calls out false worship and points to Himself as the true temple.
• Real faith goes beyond signs to trusting Jesus fully.
Meditation Verse: “Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” – John 2:11