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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

The surprising generosity of God

God’s generosity surprises us but how will we respond? (John 2:1-11)

 

Context

Hopes are high that a ceasefire might finally be signed in the Holy Land.

Some positive news on the UK economy was released.

The Princess of Wales surprised patients at the hospital where she was treated for cancer.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

Jesus turns water intended for religious purification into wine which is then used for celebration and joy. In the Holy land, religious difference has been often used as an excuse for violence and aggression. People around the world have been crying out to God for peace and this week a major step looks possible for the first time in months. Sustained peace, however, will rely on hard work and perseverance on both sides. God’s grace is freely given but he always leaves room for humanity’s free will. So much is needed to rebuild Gaza and enable the injured and bereaved to recover. God’s abundance is ready and at hand but will people receive it?

Inflation and interest rates have had a huge impact on the wellbeing of so many households in the UK in recent years and the economy is always being discussed by politicians. The recent announcement that the UK economy grew by 0.1% in November will be greeted differently depending on the party a particular politician represents. The clear difference between these fine margins being argued over in government (along with conversations about whether pensions or other benefits should keep pace with inflation) contrast sharply with our gospel reading. Jesus doesn’t create enough wine to prevent embarrassment for the hosts - he creates wheelie-bin loads of the stuff. Everyone has enough and to spare and they are amazed at its quality. God’s economics are always different to ours. He gives abundantly and generously so that we grasp something more of his amazing power and love.

The Princess of Wales' visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated for cancer was an unexpected surprise for current patients there. The princess was clearly grateful for her own treatment and care and that she is now in remission from the cancer. Having been blessed in this way, it is absolutely right that she looks to encourage and bless others who are experiencing the same disease.

We pray for ourselves and others daily, but we can be slow to thank God and slower to share the blessings with others. How has God blessed us this week? How could we be passing that on to those we will meet?

 

Questions for discussion

• Does the church model the same generosity we see from Jesus in the story?
• Can you think of any examples of someone who has?
• Has God ever surprised you with a better answer to a prayer than you were expecting?
• In what ways have you passed on the generosity you have received from God?

Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

I guess it’s a case of love it or hate it but Series 3 of The Traitors is well under way and the familiar format with new quirks and twists for 2025 has certainly “grabbed” many people.

They certainly seem to go all out with the production values. The Traitors' mansion is the height of luxury and the participants seem to want for nothing (apart from insight and common sense perhaps). Every room in the castle is sumptuous and seems to be provided with food and drink. And, despite their sadness (real or feigned) at the “murder” of one of their colleagues, the contestants seem to be making the most of the groaning board which provides their breakfast.

Reading the story of the wedding at Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine and provided plenty of the finest vintage the guests had ever tasted, is a reminder of the generosity of God whose love is shown by overflowing and abundant provision. Is the abundant provision at The Traitors' mansion similar to this? Well - yes and no.

The provision is certainly generous and one can have fun speculating on the conversation at the meeting that decided on the menus etc. There is a difference though - the makers of The Traitors are generous with the licence fee payers' money. God’s generosity is his own and totally his own.

However, the sumptuous provision in The Traitors' mansion is for all the contestants - the traitors and the faithful. No distinction is made. All are fed and watered. God’s generosity is also for all. The guests at the wedding at Cana were not asked how much they had already drunk nor were they required to show they were of good character. God’s unexpected abundance was available to all.

It's still the case today. Maybe not in vintage wine, but the unexpected abundance of God’s generous love is available to all - faithful or less than faithful.

Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister from Lancashire where he strives to be a faithful.

 

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