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Washing the feet of guests upon their arrival was a menial task, normally performed by a household servant. Apparently at this pre-arranged location for celebrating the Passover meal, there was no servant. And no one else volunteered. So later, during the meal, Jesus deliberately assumed this role to demonstrate humility and selfless service—the kind he would soon exemplify on the cross.

John 13:1-5, 12-17

1. Twice (vv. 1 & 3) John mentioned that Jesus was aware that he was about to leave his disciples. Why do you think he did this?
   
   
2. Why did a stripped-down-for-work Jesus (v. 4) clash with his "Teacher" or "Master" status (v. 12)?
   
   
3. Jesus asked (v. 12) if his disciples "got" the thrust of his acted-out illustration. Do you think they did? What was he trying to teach them?
   
   
4. If the rabbi—God in the flesh—was willing to perform the most menial service for his disciples (v. 14), how should we relate to each other?
   
   
5. Was Jesus just trying to get his disciples to be nice to each other? How would moving into the world with a selfless, serving attitude extend his mission after his departure?
   
   
6. Is a sympathetic feel for those who are hurting an adequate response (v. 17)? How could you step onto this path of blessing?
   
   

Ask God to make you not only willing to serve others in any way that would glorify him, but deliberately purposeful in finding a way to do so.

John 13:1-5, 12-17

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he 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.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Prayer for the Week

Please make my life count, Lord, by helping to transform the lives of those who are hurting.

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