JESUS THE SAVIOR
Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches
of the Philippines
Lesson 10
WHO’S THE BOSS?
Aim: That the learners
will humbly serve others.
Scripture:
John 13:1-17
Memory Verse: Matthew 20:28 – Just as the
Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a
ransom for many. (NIV)
In Advance
1.
Pray
2.
Memorize Matthew 20:28
3.
Prepare: For SUBSTANCE –
Lecture on the background of footwashing in the Jewish culture
4.
Study John 13:1-17
Introduction to
the passage:
In John 13 we begin our study of the
private ministry of Jesus Christ.
In John 1-12, we studied His public
ministry. Now we are permitted to go
behind the scenes and learn what was heard only by the disciples. Most of the material of John 13-17 is not
reported in any of the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).
CLASS SESSION
ENTRANCE
1.
Let the class enumerate
characteristics they look for in a leader.
Write answers on board. Check that there is no duplication in the list.
2.
Ask different individuals to
orally rank the characteristics of leaders listed on the board. Number 1 will be the most important in their
rank.
Transition Sentence: Jesus showed His disciples
a very important trait of leadership.
SUBSTANCE
1.
Let each one read the passage
silently.
2.
Give a short lecture on the
background of footwashing:
The necessity to
wash the feet was for comfort and cleanliness due to the dusty roads. Footwashing was a sign of hospitality
generally performed by the lowliest slave (1Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44; John 13:5;
Acts 13:25). Removing one’s dusty
sandals was sign of respect (Exodus 3:5) and mourning (Ezekiel 25:1-7). Shaking off the dust from one’s feet was a
scorn. Foot washing is done upon arrival, but in our lesson, Jesus did it
during a meal.
Questions for all:
1.
Why do you think none of the disciples’ thought of washing the
others’ feet?
Possible
Answers:
a.
They were expecting somebody
else, possibly a servant, to do this job.
b.
They considered themselves too
important to do menial jobs.
c.
They didn’t want to be dirtied
and humiliated.
d.
(Any other answer)
2.
What lesson did Jesus teach by washing His disciples’ feet?
(v. 1,14,15;
Luke 22:27)
Answers:
a.
Jesus wanted to teach true
servanthood using the act of washing of feet as object lesson. (v.15)
b.
Jesus wanted to show them the
full extent of His love. (v. 1)
Jesus reminded
them of the implications of being a true disciple of Christ. That is, they were called not to be served
but to serve. (v.14; Luke 22:27)
3.
What is the equivalent of footwashing today? Give examples.
Answers:
a.
Willingness to do menial work
for another without pay.
b.
Taking advantage of all
opportunities to serve others.
c.
To offer or volunteer
self-service.
d.
Being sensitive to others’
needs and meeting those needs.
e.
etc.
General
Truth: Jesus wants the believers to serve one
another.
SIGNIFICANCE
Questions:
(Items number 1&2 are to be asked and
answered orally; number 3 is for personal meditation after asked by the teacher
aloud.)
1.
Why do you think people do not regularly practice the equivalent of
footwashing?
2.
Who, in you spiritual life, has demonstrated what it means to wash
feet? What did he do?
3.
Specifically, how will you practice the lesson and footwashing Jesus
taught? Think
of at least someone in your family circle or in church who badly needs a
footwashing service of love. Maybe he or
she
a.
needs assurance of forgiveness
b.
is undergoing a trial or
spiritual struggle
c.
longs for attention and care
d.
needs counseling or just
someone to talk to
e.
has material/financial needs
you can specifically meet.
PERFORMANCE
1.
Let learners pray that they
could serve somebody at hoe or in church during the week. It should be a “footwashing” service in
response to the SIGNIFICANCE portion.
2.
Close the session in prayer.
