A loving God might want to send us into rough waters, but we can find hope. We should take note of what God has already provided, remember that he is with us in our circumstances so that we can trust in his presence, and remember that change is possible and that God can intervene in our circumstances.

What do we see about Jesus in this passage? We see his compassionate care, even when it's not convenient. How do we respond? We shouldn't close our eyes and ignore the facts. We might be tempted to think we have nothing to offer, but Andrew speaks up. Jesus is not an answer, but the answer, and so we should trust our provider with everything.

Those who saw Jesus' signs went and told others about him and who he might be. Jesus is full of compassion and utterly courageous. When it comes to following Jesus we should not be cautious but utterly courageous.

-

Will we respond to Jesus with worship as Elizabeth and John did? Will we be like the shepherds, realising that we are welcomed in and sharing the good news with others? Will we constantly seek God as Anna did? Or will we be proud and want to keep our positions like Herod did?

-

-

We can trust that God can heal supernaturally, but we shouldn't rest our hope on this as he doesn't always heal. Jesus doesn't want to satisfy our desire to see miracles for their own sake. But we can always take Jesus at his word.

Jesus is the Saviour of the world because the world needs a saviour. We need food for energy, but Jesus is fueled and energised by doing the will of his Father. In initiating a conversation with a Samaritan woman, Jesus breaks down barriers. If we try to pretend to be better than we really are then we don't appreciate how good Jesus is.

Jesus is not on a par with John the Baptist, but he is the Word made flesh. John is not jealous of Jesus but is pleased that his own disciples are leaving him to follow Jesus. John has an important role as the Best Man at the wedding, but it is not the Best Man's role to end up with the bride at the end of the day.