The Vessel Series: When God Uses the Broken

 

Session 4: The Overflow of Grace

Based on John 2:1–11

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I. The Empty Vessels

The first miracle of Jesus did not happen in a synagogue or a temple.
It happened at a wedding, a place of joy and community.
Yet beneath the celebration, there was a problem.
The wine had run out.

“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.” (John 2:6)

These jars were large, heavy, and ordinary.
They had no inherent beauty or value.
Their purpose was practical, not glorious.

Henri Nouwen wrote,

“God loves to use what the world considers insignificant to reveal His overwhelming grace.”

Jesus began His ministry not with new vessels, but with what was already there.

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II. The Invitation to Fill the Jars

Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water.
There was no dramatic speech, no explanation, no promise of a miracle.
Just a simple command.

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’
So they filled them to the brim.” (John 2:7)

Obedience often begins with quiet, ordinary steps.
Grace flows when we simply do what Jesus asks, even when we do not understand why.

Thomas Merton wrote,

“The will of God is not something hidden.
It is the quiet voice that calls us to take the next small step of trust.”

The miracle began with simple faithfulness.

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III. The Transformation Within

The miracle happened inside the jars, unseen by human eyes.
No sound.
No flash of light.
No sign of change.

Water became wine within the stillness.

“Then He told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’
They did so, and the master tasted the water that had been turned into wine.” (John 2:8–9)

Transformation often works in silence.
It is God’s hidden work in the depths of our lives.
We may not see the moment of change, but suddenly, what was once ordinary becomes overflowing with grace.

Dallas Willard wrote,

“Grace is God acting in our lives to accomplish what we could never accomplish on our own.”

The miracle was not in the jars.
It was in the One who filled them.

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IV. The Best Saved for Last

The master of the banquet tasted the wine and was astonished.

“You have saved the best till now.” (John 2:10)

God’s grace does not run out.
It does not diminish.
It does not weaken with time.
His best work often comes after our resources are exhausted.
Where human supply ends, divine abundance begins.

Henri Nouwen wrote,

“When we reach the end of our own strength, we discover that God’s generosity has only begun.”

Grace overflows precisely where emptiness once lived.

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V. The Invitation

The wedding at Cana teaches that God delights in filling empty places.
He turns water into wine.
He transforms ordinary vessels into carriers of extraordinary grace.
He takes what is lacking and makes it abundant.

“This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him.” (John 2:11)

Grace overflows wherever Jesus is invited to be present.

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Receiving the Overflow This Week

1. Offer your emptiness.
   Identify one place where you feel depleted or lacking.
   Invite Jesus to fill it.

2. Take the next small step.
   Practice simple obedience in something ordinary.
   Trust that grace often begins quietly.

3. Let transformation be unseen.
   Do not measure growth by visibility.
   Pray:
   “Lord, work in me in ways I cannot see.”

4. Expect God’s generosity.
   When you feel limited, remember Cana.
   God saves the best for when you feel least capable.

5. Pray for overflow.

   “Lord, fill the empty jars of my life.
   Turn what is ordinary into grace.
   Make my life a vessel that pours out Your goodness.”