Purpose: Run a complete Bible TEFL lesson using the Scripture Text PDF and the Bible Lesson PDF as the student reading material.
Recommended Level: A2–B1 | Lesson Length: 30–45 minutes
1) Lesson Overview
- Theme: obedience, trust, faithfulness, service, transformation, blessing, and following Jesus.
- Skills: Reading, listening, vocabulary building, discussion, speaking practice, and writing in English.
- Outcome: Student can explain Mary's instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” and describe how the servants obeyed Jesus completely.
Tutor Tip: Keep the main focus on John 2:5: “Do whatever he tells you.” Help students see that Mary pointed others to Jesus, the servants obeyed Jesus, and Jesus blessed others through their obedience. Also use Luke 2 and John 19 to show Mary's long faithfulness from Bethlehem to Cana to the cross.
2) Suggested Lesson Flow
- Open with warm-up questions.
- Read the Scripture handout aloud.
- Ask the student to summarize each Scripture section in simple English.
- Read the Bible lesson, How to Obey Jesus' Words.
- Review vocabulary and practice pronunciation.
- Use comprehension, discussion, and speaking questions.
- Finish with a short writing activity.
3) Warm-Up Questions
- Is it ever difficult to follow instructions? Why?
- Why do people sometimes obey only part of what they are told?
- Can obedience bring unexpected blessings? Give an example.
- Who has taught you something important by setting a good example?
- What does it mean to trust someone enough to follow their directions?
4) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Tutor Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| servant | A person who serves or helps others. | Who did Mary speak to at the wedding? |
| obey | To do what someone tells you to do. | What did the servants do when Jesus spoke? |
| command | An instruction that should be followed. | What command did Jesus give the servants? |
| wedding feast | A celebration after a wedding. | Where did Jesus perform His first sign in John? |
| wine ran out | There was no more wine for the guests. | What problem happened at the wedding? |
| water jars | Large containers used to hold water. | What did Jesus tell the servants to fill? |
| to the brim | Completely full; filled to the top. | Did the servants fill the jars halfway or to the brim? |
| miracle | A wonderful act of God that shows His power. | What miracle did Jesus do at Cana? |
| sign | In John's Gospel, a miracle that reveals who Jesus is. | What did Jesus' first sign reveal? |
| glory | The greatness, beauty, and honor of God shown to others. | How did Jesus reveal His glory? |
| disciple | A follower or student of Jesus. | What did Jesus' disciples do after this sign? |
| transform | To change something or someone in an important way. | How can Jesus transform people's lives? |
| faithful | Steady, loyal, and trustworthy over time. | How did Mary show faithfulness in these passages? |
5) Bible Text Comprehension
- In Luke 2, what did the shepherds decide to do after the angels went away?
- Who did the shepherds find in Bethlehem?
- What did Mary do with the things she heard and saw?
- Where was the wedding in John 2?
- Who was at the wedding with Jesus?
- What problem happened at the wedding feast?
- What did Mary say to Jesus?
- What did Mary say to the servants?
- In John 19, where was Mary standing?
- How did Jesus care for His mother from the cross?
6) Bible Lesson Discussion
- Why do you think Mary brought the problem to Jesus?
- Why did Mary tell the servants, “Do whatever he tells you”?
- Why might the servants have wondered about filling water jars when the problem was no wine?
- Why is it important that the servants filled the jars to the brim?
- What does complete obedience teach us about trust?
- How did Jesus bless others through the servants' obedience?
- How did Jesus' first sign reveal His glory?
- How did this sign help His disciples believe in Him?
- How does Jesus transform people, not only water?
- How do Luke 2, John 2, and John 19 show Mary's faithfulness over time?
7) Speaking Practice
- Retell the story of the wedding at Cana in your own words.
- Explain the meaning of “Do whatever he tells you” in simple English.
- Describe what the servants did after Jesus gave instructions.
- Explain why complete obedience is sometimes difficult.
- Tell about a time when following good instructions helped you.
- Describe how Jesus cared for His mother from the cross.
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: Why should followers of Jesus obey His words?
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: How can obedience to Jesus bless other people?
Conversation Tip: After each answer, ask one follow-up question such as “Why do you think that?” “Can you say that another way?” or “Can you give an example?” The goal is not only correct answers, but more English speaking practice.
8) Writing Task
- Option A: Summarize the wedding at Cana in 6–8 sentences.
- Option B: Write a paragraph explaining why Mary's words, “Do whatever he tells you,” are still important today.
- Option C: Write about a time when obeying good instructions helped you or someone else.
- Option D: Write five sentences using these words: obey, servant, command, miracle, blessing.
9) Wrap-Up
Wrap-up: Mary did not point people to herself. She pointed them to Jesus. Her simple instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” remains wise advice for every follower of Christ. At Cana, the servants obeyed Jesus completely, and Jesus used their obedience to bless many people and reveal His glory. As we learn to trust and obey Jesus, He continues to transform lives and bless others through those who faithfully follow Him.
Final Question: What is one way you can practice obeying Jesus' words this week?