What Does This Sign Mean?

Short Talk (SHT081) What does this Sign mean? © Jane Hulme 2017 © Jane Hulme 2017 SHORT TALK: “What does this sign mean?” Aim of Short talk: Use of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Lectionary: Props: ........................................................................................................................ Every day you and I will see different signs in different places.  We may see signs at school or work like: “All visitors report to Reception,”  or signs on the road like: “Slow down. Workmen” I have some unusual signs to show you today and I wonder if you can tell me what they mean. (Show Sign 1 from Appendix 1) Can anyone tell me what they think that this sign means?  It is a sign telling people to slow down as penguins are crossing! What do you think this sign means? (Show Sign 2 from Appendix 1)  I think it might mean, “no drinking and driving” And what do you think this sign means? (Show Sign 3 from Appendix 1)  I think it might mean, “snail crossing” And finally what do you think this sign means? (Show Sign 4 from Appendix 1)  I think it might mean, “take care if you are in a wheelchair!” Signs point us towards something don’t they?  They might point us towards something that is about to happen, like our penguin and snail crossings.  They might warn us of something dangerous that could happen like our wheelchair sign.  They might tell us that we can’t do something like our drinking and driving sign. To show people that the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine is a sign through which Jesus shows us who He really is, and the effect that He can have upon our lives. This is a short All Age talk picking out one issue from the Lectionary Gospel reading of the Sunday main service. The talk stands alone and assumes that the Gospel Bible reading may not yet have been read to the congregation. It could be used for example, for the whole congregation before the children go out to their age specific groups, leaving the adults with a full sermon later. Jesus, transformation John 2:1-11, John 20:30-31 Year B – The 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Either enlarge the “signs” in Appendix 1 and print onto A4 paper, or project them. 2 I wonder what you think this sign means. (Show Sign 5 from Appendix 1)  What is the sign a picture of? (Receive responses)  That’s right it is a picture of water turning into wine.  I wonder what this sign really means.....let’s find out. One of the people who wrote down all the wonderful things that Jesus did when Jesus lived on earth was a man called John.  In His Gospel, he tells the story of the day when Jesus was at a wedding in Galilee when the wine ran out;  which would have been a huge disgrace to the bride and groom in those days. When Jesus heard what had happened He told the servants to completely fill with water six stone water jars that were standing nearby.  Once the jars were filled to the brim, He told the servants to take some of the water and give it to the person in charge of the wedding feast. When this man tasted the water, it had actually turned into the best wine of the whole feast.  How amazing is that? So does this water turning into wine mean that Jesus is good at magic tricks; that He is a magician,  or does it mean something else? John, who wrote down this amazing story said that Jesus turning water into wine “was the first of the signs through which Jesus revealed his glory.” (John 2:11)  So this sign of Jesus turning water into wine points to who Jesus truly is;  that He is the Son of God. This sign also calls from us a response. Listen to what John says later on in His Gospel: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 highlighting added) So when we look at the sign of Jesus turning water into wine,  the sign shows us not only that Jesus is the Son of God,  but it also shows us that if we put our trust in Him, we will have life in His name. Will you take notice of this really important sign? © Jane Hulme 2017 3 1. Penguins crossing Appendix 1 - Signs 2. No drinking and driving 4 3. Snail crossing 4. Take care if in a wheelchair 5. Water into wine © Jane Hulme 2017