Turning Water into Wine: John 2:1-11

 

In John 2:1–11, Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. The event is described as follows.

 The Sign

 Turning Water into Wine: During the wedding feast, the hosts ran out of wine, which would have been a significant social embarrassment. Jesus' mother, Mary, informed Him of the situation. Although Jesus initially seemed hesitant, He instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water. When they drew from the jars, the water had been miraculously transformed into high-quality wine.

 How It Helped the Disciples Believe

 Manifesting His Glory: This miracle, described as the "first of the signs" Jesus performed, revealed His divine power. By transforming water into wine, Jesus demonstrated His authority over nature, showing His ability to do something that would otherwise be impossible.

 Strengthening the Faith of His Disciples: The miracle was not performed publicly for all to see, but the disciples, along with the servants and a few others, witnessed it. As a result, it helped the disciples recognize Jesus' divine identity. The passage concludes by saying, "And his disciples believed in him" (John 2:11), indicating that this sign marked a key moment in their growing faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

This event set the stage for more signs to come and began to unveil Jesus' divine mission to the world.

For more, go to: Sabbath School Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 1: Signs That Point The Way

Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 1

Signs that Point the Way

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

------------------------------

> Download the notes for Lesson 1 video here.

---------------------- 

> Download  Themes in the Gospel of John (4th  qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

------------------------------

The Women's Response to the Empty Tomb: Mark 16:1-8

 

In Mark 16:1-8, the narrative focuses on the discovery of Jesus' empty tomb and the response of the women who visit it. Here's a summary of what happens.

 The Women Visit the Tomb (Verses 1–2)

 After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices to anoint Jesus' body.

 Early in the morning on the first day of the week (Sunday), they go to the tomb.

 The Stone Rolled Away (Verse 3–4)

 As they approach, the women wonder who will help them roll away the large stone covering the entrance to the tomb.

 When they arrive, they see that the stone has already been rolled away.

 The Angel's Message (Verses 5–6)

 Inside the tomb, they encounter a young man (often interpreted as an angel) dressed in a white robe.

 The angel tells them not to be afraid and informs them that Jesus, whom they are looking for, has risen. He is not there.

 The Angel's Instructions (Verse 7)

 The angel instructs them to go and tell Jesus’ disciples and Peter that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee, where they will see Him, as He had foretold.

 The Women's Response (Verse 8)

 The women flee from the tomb in fear and amazement.

 They are trembling and astonished, and initially, they say nothing to anyone because they are afraid.

The women's first response is one of fear and confusion, despite the joyful news that Jesus has risen. Mark emphasizes their initial silence and fear, which contrasts with the later proclamations of the resurrection found in other Gospels.

Mark 16:1–8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 share a common theme in the resurrection of Jesus

 

Mark 16:1–8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 share a common theme: both passages focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let's break down their similarities.

 Resurrection of Jesus 

 Mark 16:1–8 narrates the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who went to anoint Jesus' body. An angel informs them that Jesus has risen.

 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 is part of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, where he emphasizes the core gospel message: that Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures.

 Eyewitnesses  

 In Mark 16:1–8, the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) are witnesses to the empty tomb and are told to share the news with the disciples.

 In 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, Paul lists various witnesses of the risen Christ, including Peter (Cephas), the twelve apostles, and himself.

 Foundation of Christian Faith  

 Both passages emphasize the resurrection as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The angel's message in Mark and Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians both affirm the fulfillment of prophecy and the reality of Christ's victory over death.

Both passages focus on the resurrection as a key event, supported by eyewitness testimony, which is central to the Christian faith.

More Lesson 13 Sabbath School Book of Mark