Imagine one day in which you are king: everyone around you serves you, meets your needs and solves your problems. The preacher opens with that picture only to turn it upside down, taking us to the upper room where Jesus rises from the table, wraps a towel around himself, and washes the feet even of the man who has already decided to betray him (John 13). The sermon asks plainly whether you can serve when nobody notices and nothing comes back to you. Listen, and decide what you will pick up, the robe or the towel.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In John's Gospel, Jesus knows the Father has put all things into His hands, yet sitting at the table with Judas, He picks up a towel and washes His disciples' feet. What does this scene reveal about His power and His heart?
- Washing feet was the job of the lowest slaves, and none of the disciples, who had been arguing about who was the greatest, volunteered to do it. Why do you think it was so hard for them to pick up the towel?
- The sermon contrasts the image of a king of the day in a white robe, served by everyone, with Jesus holding a towel. In what situations do you most want others to serve you?
- Jesus served even those who would hurt Him and those who could never repay Him. Who is hardest for you to serve, and what makes it so difficult?
- The speaker said that serving begins where applause and gratitude end. How do you respond when your service goes unnoticed, and what helps you keep serving?
- Jesus says we are blessed not because we know these things but because we keep doing them. Whose feet do you want to wash this week at home, at work, or in church?
