Opening Discussion:

• Where is a place you haven’t visited before that you want to go to?

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

John 13:1-3

1 Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

• This was Jesus’ last time with His disciples before His crucifixion. Why did He choose to have a meal with them?
• What does it mean that the Father had given everything into Jesus’ hands?
• What authority has God given to you?

John 14:15, 21a

15 If you love me, you will keep my commands.

21 The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.

• Why does Jesus want His disciples to keep His commands?
• How do keeping Jesus’ commands show that we love Him?
• Is there anyone whom you’ve wronged?
• What do you need to do to restore peace?

John 13:3-5

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. 4 So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. 5 Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.

• What was Jesus teaching His disciples about power and love in this moment?
• How is love tied into serving?
• Are there any areas that God is calling you to serve in at…the church?
  • …your job?
  • …your family?
  • …your circles of influence?

Extended Version

Read and Discuss

John 13:1-3

1 Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

• This was Jesus’ last time with His disciples before His crucifixion. Why did He choose to have a meal with them?
• How did Jesus love His disciples to the end?
• What were some reasons Jesus could have given for walking away from His disciples or at least calling them out?
• What does it mean that the Father had given everything into Jesus’ hands?
• What authority has God given to you?

John 14:15, 21a

15 If you love me, you will keep my commands.

21 The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.

• Why does Jesus want His disciples to keep His commands?
• How do keeping Jesus’ commands show that we love Him?
• What should you do when you break Jesus’ commands?
• Is there anyone whom you’ve wronged?
• What do you need to do to restore peace?

John 13:3-5

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. 4 So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. 5 Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.

• What was Jesus teaching His disciples about power and love in this moment?
• How is love tied into serving?
• How did Jesus view those around Him?
• Why didn’t Jesus make one of the disciples wash everyone’s feet?
• Is there anyone that you have “power” over (co-worker, your kids, waiter, worker at a store, etc.)?
  • How can you serve them?
• Are there any areas that God is calling you to serve in at…the church?
  • …your job?
  • …your family?
  • …your circles of influence?

Discipleship Questions

• Is there anyone that you are withholding love or forgiveness from?
• What could you do this week to work toward forgiveness?
  • How could you show them love?
• Is there anyone you need to ask forgiveness from?
• What can you do to serve them this week and show them you love them?

Memorize it!

John 14:15

15 If you love me, you will keep my commands.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Thank the Lord for showing us how to love others

Adoration- Worship the Lord for the freedom He gives

Confess to the times you’ve withheld love and forgiveness from others

Others- Pray for a person that you have been unkind to. Ask the Lord for boldness to make things right with them this week.

Self- Ask the Lord to help you to forgive someone who has wronged you. Maybe they haven’t asked for forgiveness or even admitted they are wrong. Ask the Lord to soften your heart so that you can walk in the freedom and forgiveness He offers.