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Sermon Notes: "Do whatever He tells you

May 31, 2026 Speaker: Jason Sebesta

Do Whatever He Tells You

John 2:1-11
Main Theme
Mary's final recorded words in Scripture are simple but powerful: "Do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5)

The miracle at Cana teaches us that Jesus often works through ordinary obedience. When we bring our lack to Him and obey His voice, He transforms what we could never change on our own.

Opening Scripture

John 2:1-11

Take a few minutes to read the story together as a group.

Point 1: Jesus Shows Up Where People Are Running Out

Key Scripture

John 2:1-3 Main Thought

Jesus didn't perform His first miracle in a temple or synagogue. He showed up in the middle of everyday life where people had a real problem.

The wine ran out, but Jesus stepped into their lack.

Discussion Questions

  1. 1  What stood out to you about Jesus performing His first miracle at a wedding?

  2. 2  What are some areas where people commonly "run out" today?

  3. 3  Have you ever experienced Jesus meeting you in a place where you felt empty or

    exhausted?

Takeaway
Empty is not the end when Jesus is in the room.

Point 2: Mary Saw What Others Missed

Key Scripture

John 2:3 Main Thought

Mary noticed the problem before anyone else did.
Discernment is not just seeing a problem—it's knowing where to take it. Discussion Questions

  1. 1  Why do you think Mary noticed the need before others?

  2. 2  Have you ever ignored a warning or prompting from God?

  3. 3  What is the difference between worry and godly discernment?

Takeaway
Discernment is seeing what others miss and bringing it to Jesus.

Point 3: Mary Knew Where To Take Empty

Key Scripture

John 2:4-5 Main Thought

Mary brought the need to Jesus and then trusted Him completely. Her response:

"Do whatever He tells you." Discussion Questions

  1. 1  Why is obedience often harder than understanding?

  2. 2  Is there an area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him without having all the

    details?

  3. 3  What keeps people from obeying God fully?

Takeaway
Faith doesn't need every detail when it knows the One giving direction.

Point 4: The Miracle Started With Ordinary Obedience

Key Scripture

John 2:6-7 Main Thought

The servants didn't perform the miracle. They simply obeyed.
They filled the jars.
Discussion Questions

  1. 1  Why do we often want God to do something spectacular before we obey?

  2. 2  What "water-carrying" assignment might God be asking you to do right now?

  3. 3  How does partial obedience limit what God wants to do?

Takeaway
Partial obedience leaves room for excuses. Full obedience makes room for glory.

Point 5: Obedience Filled the Jars, Faith Poured It Out

Key Scripture

John 2:7-8 Main Thought

The servants filled the jars through obedience.
Then they carried and poured through faith.
The miracle happened somewhere between obedience and surrender. Discussion Questions

  1. 1  What is the difference between obedience and faith?

  2. 2  Have you ever obeyed God before seeing any results?

  3. 3  What area of your life still "looks like water" even though you've been faithful?

Takeaway
You bring the water. Jesus brings the wine.

Point 6: The Servants Knew What Others Only Tasted

Key Scripture

John 2:9-10 Main Thought

The guests enjoyed the miracle.
The servants knew the process.
Those who obey often experience a deeper revelation than those who only observe. Discussion Questions

  1. 1  Why do you think Jesus revealed the miracle first to the servants?

  2. 2  What hidden acts of obedience have shaped your walk with God?

  3. 3  How can serving deepen our relationship with Jesus?

Takeaway
Some people see the breakthrough. Servants remember the obedience that led to it.

Point 7: Honor Must Become Obedience

Key Scriptures

John 2:5 John 2:11

Main Thought

The sermon closed by honoring the role women have played throughout Scripture and throughout God's Kingdom.

Honor isn't just something we say.
Honor becomes real when it changes how we live. Discussion Questions

  1. 1  What stood out to you from the examples of women highlighted throughout the series?

  2. 2  How can we better honor women in our homes, church, and community?

  3. 3  Why is it important that honor becomes a culture and not just a sermon topic?

Takeaway

Agreement without obedience is still disobedience dressed up in church clothes.

Point 8: Men Becoming Servants Again

Key Scripture John 2:5-8 Main Thought

The miracle wasn't carried by celebrities, leaders, or powerful people. It was carried by servants.
Godly leadership begins with humility and service.
Discussion Questions

  1. 1  What does servant leadership look like in everyday life?

  2. 2  How is biblical leadership different from worldly leadership?

  3. 3  What does it mean to "carry water" for others?

Takeaway

The Kingdom doesn't need more people seeking position. It needs more people willing to serve.

Application Challenge

This week, ask yourself:

What is Jesus telling me to do?

  • Is there someone I need to forgive?

  • Is there an apology I need to make?

  • Is there a step of obedience I've been avoiding?

  • Is there a relationship that needs honor restored?

  • Is there a "water jar" God is asking me to fill?

    Write down one specific thing the Lord is asking you to do this week and share it with the group if you're comfortable.

    Prayer Focus

Pray for:

  • Greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

  • Courage to obey even when we don't understand.

  • Healing for areas of emptiness and lack.

  • Stronger marriages and families.

  • A culture of honor within our church.

  • Men and women to walk together in God's design and purpose.

  • Salvation for family members and friends who need Jesus.

    Memory Verse John 2:5

    "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever He tells you.'"

    Bottom Line:

    When we bring our emptiness to Jesus and obey His voice, He transforms ordinary water into something extraordinary. Fill the jars. Carry the water. Pour it out. And whatever He tells you to do... do it.