Light & Life – Sole Service – February 25, 2024
Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer
In this new year, we are exploring the life and ministry of Jesus according to the Gospel of John. This Gospel has been called the “Spiritual Gospel” and is vastly different than the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Whereas these three Gospels follow a very similar narrative, John’s Gospel diverges into a different portrayal of Jesus’ life. John is more concerned about the signs and symbols that point us to a deeper spiritual truth.
SHARE – Icebreaker –This Sunday’s story tells of when Jesus washed his disciple’s feet. Do you have a favorite shoe or sandal, or do you prefer to go barefoot?
STUDY - Text: John 13:1-17 (NRSVUE)
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Peter initially refuses to let Jesus wash his feet. Do you find it difficult to accept acts of love and service from others? Why or why not?
Jesus stresses the importance of serving others just as Jesus has served us. What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ example of serving others in this passage? In what ways can we practice humility and service in our daily lives, following Jesus’ example?
What emotions do you think the disciples experienced during this encounter with Jesus?
How does this passage inspire us to love and serve those around us, even when it’s difficult? What practical steps can we take to apply the principles of humility and service from this passage in our lives today?
SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?
Closing Prayer