Sermon Notes: Invitation Before Desperation
Many of us wait until we run out (of peace, money, strength) to invite Jesus.
Sermon: Pastor Mike Jr “Just Jesus // Walk In It”
John 2:1–12 — The Wedding at Cana
Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana (first recorded miracle)
Key Themes:
Inviting Jesus In, Consecration, Overflow, Spiritual Maturity, Purpose
• Jesus as bringer of new creation
• The “signs” in John’s Gospel point to deeper realities — not just miracles for spectacle
• Jesus replacing old forms (ceremonial water jars) with new life (wine — symbol of joy & abundance)Main Points & Flow of the Sermon
1️⃣ Invitation Before Desperation
Jesus was invited to the wedding BEFORE the wine ran out.
→ Many of us wait until we run out (of peace, money, strength) to invite Jesus.
Key Lesson: Invite Jesus in at the beginning — not just when things break or run out.2️⃣ Jesus’ Response: Timing & Boundaries
Jesus’ first response:
→ “Woman, My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4)
Boundary Principle:
→ Jesus draws a line — His divinity is not controlled even by those close to Him.
→ Many of us allow the wrong people to access parts of us that God wants to consecrate.
Reflection: Are you allowing others access to your “oil” (your anointing) too freely?3️⃣ Mary’s Faith & Expectancy
Mary did not argue — she simply said:
→ “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.” (John 2:5)
Faith Principle:
→ Even when Jesus hadn’t said He would move, Mary trusted His nature.
→ Expectant faith positions us for miracles.
Reflection: Am I obeying even when I don’t see movement yet?4️⃣ Consecration & Purpose
The six stone jars were used for ceremonial washing — they were EMPTY.
Consecration Defined:
→ Set apart for God’s use.
→ Not for everyone’s access or casual use.
The first miracle wasn’t just wine — it was restoring purpose to the jars.
Before God uses us publicly, He often empties us and refills us for His purpose.
Reflection: Am I allowing God to set me apart — even when it feels lonely or unclear?5️⃣ Overflow: Fill It To The Brim
When told to fill the jars — they filled them to the brim.
→ Symbol of doing things with full effort and full surrender.
Overflow Principle:
→ When we are filled to the brim with the Spirit, even others around us receive the overflow.
Reflection: In what areas of my life am I only “half-filled”? Where do I need to give God my all?6️⃣ Progressive Transformation
The water didn’t instantly turn into wine when poured — “had been turned” implies:
→ Could have happened during the drawing, or along the way to the banquet master.
Spiritual Growth Principle:
→ You may not see instant results, but the transformation is happening as you walk in obedience.
Reflection: Am I trusting God’s process even when I still feel like “water”?7️⃣ Miracles Without Recognition
The master of the banquet didn’t know where the wine came from — but the servants did.
→ Not everyone will see what God is doing behind the scenes.
Reflection: Am I okay being obedient and unseen, knowing God sees?8️⃣ Avoiding Miracle Dependence
Wisdom Principle:
→ The wedding ran out of wine due to poor planning.
→ We shouldn’t live recklessly and expect constant miracles.
Reflection: Where do I need to take responsibility instead of waiting on rescue?9️⃣ Purpose Over Platform
Jesus’ first miracle was at a social event — not in a synagogue or a healing spree.
→ Shows He cares about everyday life as well as the miraculous.
Purpose Principle:
→ Our goal should be to be used as vessels — not just to chase visible miracles.
Reflection: Am I chasing public miracles or being a willing vessel for God’s private purposes?The Apple Tree Analogy
“The apples on the apple tree aren’t for the tree — they’re for others.”
→ You may be used by God to bless others even when you’re still waiting for your own breakthrough.
Closing Prayer Themes from the Sermon
Surrender: “God, I just want to be used.”
Repentance for disobedience and perfectionism: He doesn’t require perfection — just surrender.
Covering for next generations: “Do something so clear that our children can’t deny Your power.”
John 2 on BibleRef: https://www.bibleref.com/John/2/John-chapter-2.htmlBibleProject: Gospel of John Themes: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/gospel-of-john-1-12✨ Reflection Questions For This Week
Where in my life do I wait to invite Jesus until after a problem arises?
What relationships may be drawing on parts of me God wants to consecrate?
How can I posture myself with expectant faith this week — “Whatever He tells me to do, I’ll do”?
What area of my life is God currently consecrating?
How am I pursuing overflow — in Spirit, relationships, purpose?
Where do I need to trust that transformation is happening “on the way”?
Am I okay being unseen in the process if God is glorified?
Where do I need to be more prepared and responsible — not just rely on miracles?
Am I chasing a public platform or private purpose?
How can I be a vessel this week for others’ blessing — without expecting anything in return?