If you’re short on prep time or just looking for some extra guidance, our weekly Leader Training is designed to help you lead your students through the week’s lesson.
This is the Leader Training for Session 3 of our Winter 2023 study on the Gospel of John, chapters 1–11 (suggested use date: December 18, 2022).
You can also download this week’s leader training in PDF format here.
Session 3: Glory on Display
Key Text: John 2:11-23
Central Truth:
Jesus’s ministry was built around the idea of glory. In our text today, we’ll see how Jesus first revealed God’s glory in a subtle way, by transforming water into wine at a wedding. Then, we’ll see Him reveal God’s glory in a startling way, by flipping over tables at the temple and rebuking those who were chasing after their own glory rather than God’s. Jesus came to show God’s glory so that we might believe.
Key Question:
Jesus’s ability to transform water into wine points to greater things. What other kinds of radical change can Jesus bring about?
Jesus’s first miracle revealed His power to transform. In fact, that’s one of the most beautiful parts of the gospel: Jesus came so that those who believed in Him would be transformed from God’s enemies into God’s children! There is nothing beyond His ability to transform.
Keep in Mind:
— Jesus’s behavior in the temple is a little unexpected and maybe even unsettling. How are we supposed to think about this? Before you meet, take some time to consider what you know about God’s purpose for the temple and look over the corresponding “Give An Answer” section.
— When we talk about the water-to-wine miracle, it’s tempting to get into the weeds of debating wine and how we should interact with alcohol. But this can distract from the true purpose of this miracle: God’s glory! Help direct the conversation there.
Application:
How do you and others you know seek glory for yourselves? What might it look like to seek God’s glory instead?
The Win:
FOR THE STUDENT: Today’s lesson can help students begin to view the world through the idea of glory. God can use this to help them discern their motives and continually ask themselves, “Whose glory am I concerned about?”
FOR THE LEADER: Challenge students to keep God’s glory in mind as they process their lives. He is the one with the power to transform—not us! He is the one whose glory matters—not ours!
Additional Helps:
Youth ministry can be lonely work. Collaborate in a caring online community with hundreds of other youth ministers like you—join Youth Ministry Booster!
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Listen to the weekly Lifeway Student Ministry Podcast for fresh perspectives on student ministry in today’s world. Hosted by Ben Trueblood, Director of Student Ministry at Lifeway, and produced by Nathan Howard, Project Coordinator for Lifeway Students.
Read our guide to creating a safer, more engaging environment for online Bible study.
Watch replays of our webinars for group leaders and teachers, hosted by Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s Director of Sunday School. These webinars are designed to help leaders build their confidence, strengthen their groups, and enhance their Bible studies.