1. Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, where we can enter into a time of prayer, fasting, and repentance.      This is not meant to be legalistic in any way, but is something that we are invited into.

a)  What value might a season like this hold for you?

b)  Are you planning to participate in any of the practices suggested in the Lent booklet? (giving something up, following along with the daily scripture and devotional readings, fasting from food on Thursdays?).

c)  Repentance in particular is about turning around when we have been going in the wrong direction. What turnarounds do you think are needed in your life? (this could be a more literal change in direction, or a shift that is needed internally)

2. Read John 2:1-11 and share your initial thoughts with one another. What stands out? What questions does this passage        stir up for you? Do you find anything from this passage encouraging or challenging?

3. This is the first of seven signs found in John’s Gospel, that point beyond themselves to something more. This means that      the significance of the miracle here is deeper than just the impressiveness of Jesus’ ability to turn water into wine. The          deeper meaning lies in the symbolism found within the passage. Reflect together on the following symbols, making use      of the scripture references provided.

a) Water (John 1:19-34, John 4:7-14)

b) Wine (Isaiah 25:6-9, Matthew 26:26-30)

4. As you consider the meaning of these symbols, what do you think they reveal about the sign given in John 2?

5. John 2:11 says that “what Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory;      and his disciples believed in him”

a) Why do you think this miracle sparked such faith in the disciples?

b) In what way did this sign reveal, and also point forward to, Christ’s glory?

6. As you think about the hope and promise of God’s Kingdom, what “new wine” are you longing for? And what “new wine”      have you already experienced? (ie: What transformation do you need Jesus to bring about in your life? In your heart?            And what abundance are you longing for God to pour out?)

Pray for each other out of the items discussed. Pray that this season of Lent will be a meaningful time of prayer, fasting, and repentance. Pray for the longings and needs that you each have, that only Jesus can fulfill.

Consider a second time of prayer as well, this time, focused on the longings and needs in the lives of those you know, and in the world. What “new wine” is needed? Pray not only for these needs and longings, but also for an understanding of how the Lord might want to fill you up and equip you to respond to those needs, as Christ's representatives in the world.