John 13:3-17
“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” John 13:3-5 (p.822)
- Jesus’ Pattern For Serving Teaches Us To Love.
Series Memory Verse: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31 (p.736)
- Reflect Jesus’ attitude.
“When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.’ ‘No,’ Peter protested, ‘you will never ever wash my feet!’ Jesus replied, ‘Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.’ Simon Peter exclaimed, ‘Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!’” John 13:6-9 (p.822)
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:5 (p.900)
- Follow Jesus’ example.
“After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, ‘Do you understand what I was doing? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.’” John 13:12-15 (p.822)
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (p.876)
- Expect God’s blessing.
“I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” John 13:16-17 (p.822)
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (p.895)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will find an opportunity to follow Jesus’ example by signing up to serve in my church.
Small Group Questions Week 2
One Thing: Jesus’ Pattern For Serving Teaches Us To Love.
Key Verse: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31 (p.736)
Bible References: John 13:1-17 (p.822)
CONVERSATION STARTER
// What does it mean to serve? Was your life ever transformed by serving?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In Jesus’ time, washing feet was necessary as most people would walk on dirt roads barefoot or wore open sandals. Washing your feet would take place before communal meals because people would eat together reclining on the ground or on low tables. This was an act of service and hospitality that was commonly reserved for lowly servants. Cleansing yourself became a sign of respect. The disciples would have been shocked by Jesus’ willingness to serve them in this way.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read John 13:3-5 (p.822). Here Jesus intentionally serves every one of His disciples.
- What can you do to serve someone in your life right now?
- What are some every day serving opportunities?
- What about serving is enjoyable or difficult for you?
// Read Matthew 19:30 (p.750). In this passage Jesus challenges us to sacrifice our status to become servants.
- Why does Jesus want us to serve one another?
- Can we follow Jesus and decide not to serve each other? Why or why not?
// Read John 13:12-15 (p.822). We are called to follow Jesus’ example.
- What does living like Jesus look like for you?
- What can you do to grow to become more like Jesus?
// Read Galatians 5:13-14 (p.893). This passage tells us that there is freedom in serving one another.
- What does it cost you to serve?
- Did Jesus put limits on His ability to serve His Disciples? Why or why not?
// Read John 13:16-17 (p.822). Jesus wants us to expect God’s blessing.
- How have you been blessed by serving?
NEXT STEP
____ I will find an opportunity to follow Jesus’ example by signing up to serve in my church.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read John 13:34-35 (p.823). This is the ending of the chapter that we read today, and it expresses Jesus’ heart for radical transformation through serving one another. Here, Jesus states that the world will know that we are His followers by the way that we love one another. As you read through this passage reflect on your own story. How has serving or being served displayed God’s love for you through the actions of a follower of Jesus?
Read Matthew 20:28. Jesus boldly declares that He came not to be served but to serve. This is the attitude that Jesus wants His followers to have. Jesus wants us to realize that serving is an act of love and not one of suppression. Take note throughout your week of how others responded to you when you served them.