The Servant King

Summary

• Chapters 13-21 are often called the “Book of Glory” as they trace Jesus’ private ministry to His disciples as well as His arrest, trial, death and resurrection in glory.
• Jesus knew that His ministry on earth was ending soon, and decided to spend His last moments eating the Passover meal with His twelve disciples.
• Jesus demonstrated His deep love for His disciples to the very end, by washing their feet, including the feet of Judas who would subsequently betray Him.
• Feet washing in Jesus’ time was reserved for the lowest of slaves. It was indeed scandalous for a Master to wash His disciples’ feet.
• Jesus explained the significance of His feet washing act. As their Teacher and Lord, He had set an example of servanthood for them to follow.
• He called them to serve one another humbly, stating that they would be blessed if they put His teachings into practice.

Reflect

1. How does Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet challenge your understanding of Christian leadership and service? How is it different from worldly leadership?

2. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to humble yourself and serve others as Jesus did? Why is it so?

3. What practical steps can you take to deny yourself and serve others, following Jesus’ example of humility? What is the key element needed? (v 34)

Watch

Jesus emphasised that true blessing came not from only having intellectual knowledge, but from humbly living out His teachings in serving others.

Closing Prayer

Ask God to help you embrace humility and follow Jesus’ example of servanthood.

Pray for

• God’s forgiveness where you have fallen short
• Spiritual eyes to see the value in those around you
• Supernatural strength to serve others selflessly

Additional Resources

John 13-21
What is the Gospel of John about in the Bible? Watch as we explain its major themes and gain a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical story.

The Last Will Be First
Trace the theme of the firstborn through the story of the Bible in this animated video. Discover how God overturns human systems and redefines power as love.