Humble Service (discussion questions)

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message from this past weekend “Humble Service” on John 13:1-17 at Eastbrook Church.

Discussion Questions

1. Our theme this week is humble service. Who is the most humble person you have ever known? What is it about this person that brought them to mind?
2. An important word that appears throughout this passage is ‘know’ or ‘knew’. Take a moment to observe the things that Jesus knows or knew throughout John 13:1-17. Underline them or write them down. If you are studying with a group, discuss this together.
3. What do you think is the significance of what “Jesus knew” in verses 13:1-3 for the humble foot washing that is about to occur? What seems appropriate? What seems odd?
4. While it was at times common for a poor host to wash his guests’ feet, this would always happen well before the meal. Jesus, however, interrupts the meal to wash His disciples’ feet. He did this to make a clear point to His followers. What was that point?
5. Simon Peter is well-known for being one of Jesus’ most outspoken and brash followers. Initially, he doesn’t want to be washed at all, and then wants to be washed entirely by Jesus. What is going on with this interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter?
6. What does Jesus mean when He says that the disciples are ‘clean’ in verse 10? You may want to look at John 15:3 for help.
7. Jesus says that His followers should “wash one another’s feet” (13:14). What does this mean practically? How good are you at “washing others’ feet”?
8. What is one practical thing you can do this week to follow Jesus’ example of humble service? Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another.