GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Ever feel like you're the one always doing the work, while others seem to slack off? Or maybe you're in charge and can’t understand why people don’t follow through? In this passage, we take a closer look at Jesus washing His disciples' feet, an act of love and humility that flips our expectations upside down. Discover how this powerful moment not only reveals God's heart for us, but also shows us how to find joy and freedom through serving others.
Main Points:
Jesus' footwashing is a shocking act of love and service.
Jesus' footwashing is a powerful symbol pointing to his ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus' footwashing is a clear call for us to follow his example in humble service.
On-Ramps:
Use your spiritual gifts to serve and strengthen your church family.
In positions of authority, love and humbly serve those under your care.
Forgive those who have wronged you, and actively seek ways to serve them.
Humbly serve those with practical needs, showing mercy and compassion.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Philippians 2:5-11 offers a beautiful picture of Christ’s humble posture, coming to earth as the servant of all humankind. How does Jesus’ act of footwashing in today’s passage point to the greater act of service that Jesus would perform through laying down his life?
In our world today, serving others at your own expense is not an overly popular notion. Have you ever seen someone get humiliated for serving others? Have you ever seen someone humiliated for receiving the service of others? Why doesn’t the worldly culture of today more eagerly embrace acts of humility and service?
Where do you get fatigued in your love and service of others? How does Jesus’ example and teaching in this passage speak to that?
Who in your life has stood out as a model of Christian service? How have they influenced or inspired you to serve others as well?
Are there any areas you are feeling called or interested in serving within the church? What next step will you take toward investigating those?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: John 13:18-38
