11.18.07
Small Group Plan - November 18, 2007
“Learning To Get Up”
Small Group Plan
November 18, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
Sometimes parents will remind their son or daughter, as they leave the house for an evening out, “Remember who you are?” In other words, take your ethics with you. Don’t forget your core values. But, what are my core values? What ethical standards do I live by?
Jesus teaches us that when we really know who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going, then we will know what to do.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Growing up what were special meals in your family – Thanksgiving? Birthdays? Christmas dinners? Why were they special?
· Who would you choose as the most influential “servant” in your personal life experience? Why?
· When you think of housework, what is your most dreaded job? Explain.
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
When Jesus Got Up
John 13:2-5
2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
· What are some of your initial thoughts when you picture washing dirty feet?
· Why did Jesus do this?
· How did the lessons from this experience compliment the overall lesson of Jesus’ life?
· “Jesus knew” (Vs. 3) “so he got up” (Vs. 4). How does knowing lead to serving?
When We Get Up
John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Once you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
· How does Jesus challenge the disciples’ picture of leadership?
· When he asks, “Do you understand?” do they? Explain.
· How would the disciples be “blessed” (Vs. 17) by serving?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
John 13:1
Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
· Why is foot washing called “the full extent of his love”?
· How can simple service illustrate the meaning of the cross?
· We live in a time of shoes and socks, so what would be our equivalent to washing feet?
· What is most likely to keep you from simple service?
· What is most likely to get through to you, touching your servant heart?
Close by asking God for the power of gratitude.