To Love Is to Serve

In one paragraph

This Monday night study in John 13 looked at the moment Jesus washed his disciples' feet on the eve of his arrest, and what that act reveals about the nature of love. Pastor Ray kept returning to one five-word phrase as the thread of the whole evening: to love is to serve. John places this scene carefully. Jesus knew his hour had come, knew he was about to return to the Father, and knew one of the...

Read together

1. John 13:1-20 main text for the evening, read in full and expounded upon
2. Matthew 20 quoted to show that rulers lord over people but among Jesus' followers whoever wants to lead must serve
3. John 13:34-35 quoted to show the command to love one another as proof of discipleship
4. Philippians 2:13 quoted to show God works in believers giving them desire and power to do what pleases Him
5. John 13:17 referenced to show that knowing and doing these things brings God's blessing

Talk about it

1. Pastor Ray described Jesus washing his disciples' feet as showing them 'the full extent of his love.' What does it tell you about the nature of love that Jesus chose to express it this way, rather than through a speech or a miracle?
2. The sermon summed up its message in five words: 'to love is to serve.' Where in your own life do you find that hardest to actually live out, and why?
3. Several people in the group pointed out that Peter's refusal to have his feet washed looked humble on the surface but was actually a form of pride. Have you ever caught yourself refusing help or service from someone, and looking back, where do you think that refusal was really coming from?
4. The sermon quoted Philippians 2:13, that God is working in us and giving us both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. How does that change the way you think about trying to serve and love people, especially when it feels difficult or draining?
5. Verse 17 was highlighted near the end: 'Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.' The group noted that knowing and doing are two different things. What is one specific thing from this passage that you know but have not yet put into practice?