The Last Supper
In John 13 Jesus does an incredible thing. It’s the last meal he will share with his disciples, and he gets up and starts to wash their feet. This wasn’t just weird, it was completely humiliating in their culture. Only the lowliest servants would wash the feet of guests in a home. Jesus was sending a clear message to his disciples: if you want to be great, you must be willing to serve.
John 13:15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
What this isn’t saying about Jesus
Don’t misunderstand the point of this passage. This is not saying that Jesus is weak. It’s not saying that Jesus wasn’t God or supreme or the Creator of the universe. We know that he was and is. The willingness to serve is not an admission of weakness. In fact, Jesus demonstrates great strength and security being willing to subject himself to such humility.
What this is saying about Jesus
Here is the point. Jesus is God, and at the heart of his character is love and grace. God is a giver, and we should be too. If we are following Jesus, we’re following a servant. In fact, when Jesus summed up his whole ministry he explained his role as a servant.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
A servant attitude isn’t optional for a Christian. It is at the heart of how God wants us to act among others.
- 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 powerful example of being a servant that you have ever witnessed?
- How does the attitude of a servant reveal strength?
- What prevents us from having a servant’s attitude at all times?
- How can you promote serving among your ministry team?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
