In his life on earth, Jesus showed us the importance of helping others.
John 13:4-5 Jesus got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
John 13:12-15 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked,“Do you understand what I was doing?…Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
Jesus displayed a radical act of serving others when he washed his disciples feet. Jesus followed that act up by telling us that if we follow him, then we should serve others as Jesus did. Here is what this means for us:
Help Others By Serving Them in Practical Ways
By washing his disciples feet, Jesus was helping his friends in a practical way. We, too, need to learn to help others in practical ways. Look for opportunities to serve the members of your small group. Or, think about how you can serve your youth group or your church. Most youth groups have opportunities for students to serve, whether it’s taking out trash after group, or helping to set up before everyone arrives. In your church, volunteer to work in the nursery or with preschoolers.
Also, look for ways to serve in your community. If your youth group or church sponsors events that help people in the community, participate in those.
Help Others By Telling Them About God
The best thing you can ever do for someone is to tell them about God’s love for them. Help out a friend who doesn’t know God, by introducing them to the God of the Bible. Invite a friend to church, your small group, or to some activity that your church sponsors. Think about people in your life who don’t know much about God, and then tell them about how God has changed your life.
You won’t ever experience a good life until you learn to help others.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- What is the most helpful or kind thing that someone has ever done for you?
- Why was it so shocking for Jesus to wash his disciple’s feet? Why did Jesus do this?
- List some ways that you can serve your small group, and that you can serve in your youth group or your church.
- Pick an area where you want to serve and tell your group about it for accountability.
- Read Romans 10:13-15. Why is it important that we help others by telling them about God?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
