Welcome,
We’re delighted you’ve chosen to dig more deeply into the Scriptures and consider what God has for you through this sermon.
These sermon practices are ideally intended to be discussed with others, so find a friend, family member, or roommate to join you. If you haven’t yet joined a life group yet, check out our groups page or stop at the Welcome Center for more info.
Exploring Scripture: Jesus’ Humility
Read aloud this encounter with Jesus from John 13:1-17, then discuss the passage.
- What stands out to you?
- What seems odd, uncomfortable or confusing?
Review verse 1 and discuss.
- What do you think Jesus was feeling in his final hours before the cross?
- What did he know about his next few days that his disciples did not?
- Why do you think it says, “...he loved them to the end”?
Review verses 2-5 and discuss.
- Why do you think the betrayal from Judas is mentioned?
- What’s the importance of Jesus knowing where he was from and where he was going?
- What gave Jesus the ability to humble himself to be a servant to his disciples?
Review verses 6-11 and discuss.
- Why do you think Peter objects to Jesus washing his feet?
- Why does Jesus insist Peter allow him to wash his feet?
- What can we learn from the on-going ministry of Jesus in our lives?
Review verses 12-16 and discuss.
- What is the main point Jesus is making by washing their feet?
- What is his logic for that main point?
- What does Jesus promise for those who follow his example?
Reflection: Learning to Humbly Serve
Consider the three actions mentioned in the sermon about how to grow in humble service to others:
(1) Crucify your pride (2) Give to bless, not to get (3) Consume God’s love
(1) What would it look like for you to “crucify” your pride in a healthy way today?
- Laying down your right to criticize someone
- Taking a role that will expose your failings
- Sincerely complimenting a competitor
- Admitting you a mistake
- Not getting the last word
- Saying sorry
- Asking for forgiveness
- Giving forgiveness
- Walking away from an argument
- Not defending yourself against criticism
- Other…
(2) Where can you practice giving as a blessing?
In our world, relationships often operate like our system of commerce, held up by the notion that “as long as I’m getting what I’m paying for, I’ll stick with this.” We often do things for our loved ones because we know they’d do the same for us. And we prioritize those in our lives who give as much as they take over those who are unable to match our generosity.
By contrast, Jesus loves without requiring repayment; Judas betrayed him, Peter denied him, and all his disciples abandoned him, and yet, he still washed their feet. To stoop to such a low task would offend his social standing as their leader, but he considered their needs above his own. They needed to be tended to, and seen as worth care even when they were just “being” and not “doing.”
This is not to say you shouldn’t receive from others, or have people in your life who are equal. Rather, it is to make a habit of being generous with your care. Jesus did not give in order to get good allies or to boost his social standing. He did it to breathe life and goodness into God’s most beloved creation; humans. His generosity was a blessing, because he simply cared.
- Identify a relationship in which you need to give right now, regardless of what you get back.
- What can you do to bless them this week? Is there an obvious need of theirs you can meet? Or how can you make them feel seen and loved?
(3) Consuming God’s Love
“Jesus knew that… he had come from God and was returning to God” (John 13:3) This refers to Jesus leaving the throne of Heaven to come to this earth. And in that sense, he left the Crown of Heaven and took on the Crown of Thrones. This was extremely humbling, yet he did it with joy.
- Who has ever done something like that for you? What did they do? How did that feel?
- What does it say about God's heart for you, that Jesus would do this for you? Where do you most need to experience the love of God in your life right now? Ask the Holy Spirit to pour God love even more deeply into your heart. You may want to read Ephesians 3:14-21, and change that into a prayer from you to your Heavenly Father.
Wrapping Up
Praying for Eachother
Share an action step you want to take in response to Jesus teaching about humble servanthood.. Share also any other concerns you want to bring before the Lord. Just before praying, set a timer for at least a minute and sit in silence for the moment quietly asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and prayer.
Praying for Our Church: Seeking His Direction
As part of Vancouver Church, we’re hoping you will be praying for the property sale process. As many of you know, King’s Way Christian Schools have offered to purchase a portion of our property they have previously been renting from us. Our leadership & board are recommending the sale, but that doesn’t mean we’re done seeking God’s direction. At this stage, we're asking for God's affirmation if it is His direction; and we’re asking for his redirection if he would have us pursue this differently. If you feel so inclined, we invite you to join us in praying this prayer:
Lord, our greatest desires to bring pleasure to you and to draw attention to your love and greatness we submit this whole process of property sales to you. Our pastoral leadership and oversight board are recommending the sale of properties, and we are asking that you will give your guidance as we submit this recommendation to you. If it's what you want, it’s what we want. If there's something that we're missing, redirect us. You’ve said if anyone lacks wisdom that you will give it generously and without favoritism, so we are asking for wisdom, and if wisdom will be insufficient, give us revelation that exceeds our wisdom. We recognize that every resource is a gift from you. So, we present these properties to you and ask for your divine leadership in this decision. Lord, we ask that you make it clear throughout the entire body of Vancouver Church. We pray this all in Jesus' name.