Bible Study Materials
(based on our recent Bible studies)

Bible Study Questionnaire: John 2:1-12 - The Marriage at Cana

1. What was the problem at the wedding in John 2:3?
Answer: The problem was that the wine had run out. This was a significant issue for the hosts because running out of wine could be seen as a major social blunder in the context of the celebration.

2. How did Mary respond to the problem in John 2:3?
Answer: Mary informed Jesus about the problem, saying, "They have no wine." She brought the issue to Jesus, indicating her trust that he could do something about it.

3. What was Jesus' initial reaction to Mary’s concern in John 2:4, and what does it reveal about his sense of timing?
Answer: Jesus said, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." This response indicates that Jesus was aware of a larger divine timetable for his ministry and that he was mindful of the right time to begin revealing his divine power.

4. How did Mary demonstrate her faith and obedience in John 2:5?
Answer: Mary instructed the servants to “Do whatever he tells you.” This shows her trust in Jesus’ ability to handle the situation and her obedience to his forthcoming instructions, even though the nature of the solution was not yet clear.

5. What did the servants do in response to Jesus' instructions in John 2:7-8, and why is their action important?
Answer: The servants filled the jars with water, as Jesus instructed, and then drew some out to take to the master of the banquet. Their obedience was crucial because it demonstrated trust and faith in Jesus’ command, leading to the miraculous transformation of water into wine.

6. What does the transformation of water into wine in John 2:9-10 reveal about Jesus' power and authority?
Answer: The transformation of water into wine demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and authority. It shows that he can perform miracles that defy natural laws and confirms his identity as the Son of God. It also signifies his ability to bring about profound change.

7. How does John 2:11 describe the impact of this miracle on the disciples and the significance of this event?
Answer: John 2:11 says, "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him." The miracle was significant because it was the first public demonstration of Jesus’ divine power and led to a deeper belief in him among his disciples.

8. How can the themes of obedience and faith demonstrated in this passage be applied to your own life?
Answer: Students might answer this question personally, reflecting on how they can demonstrate obedience to Jesus in their own lives. They could consider ways to trust and act on Jesus’ guidance, even when the outcome is not immediately apparent or when the instructions seem unconventional.

Bible Study Questionnaire: Genesis 1 - The Creation of the World

1. What does Genesis 1:1 reveal about the beginning of the universe?
Answer: Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This reveals that God is the ultimate originator of everything in existence and that creation had a definite beginning, initiated by God.

2. Describe the process of creation as outlined in Genesis 1. What is the significance of the repeated phrase "And God said"?
Answer: Genesis 1 describes a systematic creation process where God speaks things into existence over six days. The repeated phrase "And God said" emphasizes God's sovereign power and the authority of His word in bringing creation into being.

3. What was created on each of the first six days? List the creations and their corresponding days.
Answer:

• Day 1: Light and separation of light from darkness (Genesis 1:3-5).

• Day 2: The sky and separation of waters above from waters below (Genesis 1:6-8).

• Day 3: Land and vegetation, including plants and trees (Genesis 1:9-13).

• Day 4: Sun, moon, and stars to govern day and night (Genesis 1:14-19).

• Day 5: Sea creatures and birds (Genesis 1:20-23).

• Day 6: Land animals and humans, created in God's image (Genesis 1:24-31).

4. What is the significance of humanity being created in the image of God according to Genesis 1:26-27?
Answer: Being created in the image of God means that humans reflect certain attributes of God, such as rationality, creativity, and moral capacity. It implies a special status and relationship with God, giving humans a unique role in creation and a responsibility to steward the earth.

5. What command did God give to humans in Genesis 1:28, and why is this important?
Answer: God commanded humans to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, and every living thing that moves on the earth." This is important because it establishes humanity's role as caretakers and stewards of creation, responsible for managing and preserving the world.

6. How does Genesis 1:31 describe the state of creation after the sixth day, and what does this imply about God's view of His work?
Answer: Genesis 1:31 states, "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." This implies that God's creation was complete, perfect, and fulfilling His purpose. It reflects God's satisfaction with His work and the inherent goodness of creation.

7. What does the concept of a "Sabbath rest" in Genesis 2:1-3 add to the understanding of God’s creation?
Answer: Genesis 2:1-3 describes how God rested on the seventh day after completing creation. This concept of Sabbath rest highlights the importance of rest and completion, emphasizing that God’s creation was not only finished but also purposeful and orderly. It sets a pattern for human rest and worship.

8. How does the orderly and purposeful nature of creation in Genesis 1 influence your understanding of God’s character and His work in the world?
Answer: Students can reflect on how the orderly and purposeful nature of creation shows God's power, wisdom, and intentionality. It can inspire awe and trust in God’s ability to work in an organized and meaningful way, and encourage believers to recognize the value and purpose in their own lives and in the world around them.