A superhero costume, a child’s certainty that you can be something more, and then the grown-up suspicion that great deeds are simply beyond you. This sermon leads to the upper room, where Jesus rises from the table, wraps himself in a towel and washes his disciples’ feet (John 13), overturning everything that culture knew about greatness. You will find here Peter’s resistance, hard words about the duty to imitate, and a question about the picture of God you carry inside. Listen if you want to meet a hero you can actually follow.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- John notes that Jesus washes the disciples' feet knowing His hour has come and that Judas will betray Him. What does this context tell you about what it means that He loved them "to the end"?
- Foot washing was a task for servants, children, wives, or disciples serving their rabbi, never the other way around. How might the disciples have felt seeing their Teacher and Lord with a towel and a basin?
- Peter first refuses, then asks Jesus to wash his hands and head too. What in your picture of God makes it hard for you to receive His humble love?
- The preacher said Jesus shatters stereotypes of what it means to be truly great. How does this scene change your understanding of greatness and heroism?
- Jesus says the disciples are obligated to do the same, because He gave them an example and a servant is not greater than his master. What "awkward" acts of service that go beyond expected roles could be your foot washing today?
- Gandalf says evil hates most the small everyday deeds of kindness and love. Who specifically can you show this kind of humble love to this week?
