Jesus calls his followers to be different

1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. JOHN 13:1-5 NLT
24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. LUKE 22:24-25 NLT
For us to be different we have to be willing to leave our comfort zone.

Jesus calls his followers to leave their comfort zone

6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” JOHN 13:6-11 NLT

Jesus calls his followers to be servants

12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. JOHN 13:12-17 NLT
And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” 1 PETER 5:5 NIV
Service for Jesus is not about your ability but your humility.

Jesus empowers his followers to serve:

With His Strength
By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. EPHESIANS 3:7 NLT
By Seeing Lives Changed
So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. ROMANS 15:17 NLT
By Working Alongside Jesus
But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. PHILIPPIANS 2:17 NLT

Jesus’ followers should celebrate service

They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:18 NLT

As followers of Jesus at Sandals Church, we do three things:

We worship together on the weekend
We gather together in groups
We serve together on teams
“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” LUKE 12:35 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

What does it look like for you to live differently than the rest of the world?
In what ways do you step out of your comfort zone in order to follow Jesus?
Where is your place of service in the church? What do you enjoy about serving there?
How do you know when you’re serving alongside Jesus?
Who is someone you can celebrate for their service to Sandals Church, and how?

Personal Reflection Guide

Take some time to be alone with God and bring your body, mind, and heart into focus with him. When you’re ready, begin a conversation with God about your place of service to Sandals Church. If you’re serving, ask him some questions like, “In what way has my service been helpful? Whose life has been impacted by my service?” If you’re not currently serving Sandals Church, ask him some questions like, “In what way can I give of myself to serve the church? What’s keeping me from serving?” Now, take some time to reflect on your next step in serving the church. When you’re done, share your prayer time with your group or someone you trust.

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