Every year I wrestle with what to give my Father for Christmas. He seems to have everything! And so I mentally search for ideas weeks in advance. Around Thanksgiving I usually give up and ask …
What do you give Someone Who really does have everything? So I always ask The King what He would like from me. He has been very creative in His requests! They vary widely, but have one thing in common. The gift is always sacrificial in nature, something I would not do except The King requested it. And it is something I could not do except The King enabled me. One year He seemed to ask for my involvement in carrying out the dying request of an executed murderer. One year He requested that I add a trip of multiple speaking engagements to my already completed schedule. Another year the gift He brought to mind was for me to tell the Christmas story in my child’s public school classroom.
What will you give The King this Christmas for His birthday? Ask Him what He would like to receive from you. The following is a suggested gift idea that I know He would like to receive…
I. SERVICE THAT’S OFFERED LOVINGLY John 13:1
- What phrase from v. 1 indicates Jesus knew that He would be arrested and crucified within a few hours of this dinner scene?
- Knowing what was facing Him shortly, what could have been His mental and emotional state?
- What excuse do you have for not offering service with a loving attitude?
- Describe in your own words the “full extent of his love” referred to in v. 1.
- Relate this to John 15:13, as well as to the dinner scene that follows in John 13:1-11.
- To what extent do you love Jesus? Are there any limitations to your love that are acceptable to Him? See Romans 12:1-2 for your answer.
- What boundaries have you placed on your love for others?
- From the following verses, summarize how important it is, in His eyes, for you to love others: Matthew 22:37, 39; Mark 12:33; John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17; John 17:11, 26; Luke 6:32, 35; Galatians 5:13; 1 John 4:7-12.
II. SERVICE THAT’S OFFERED WILLINGLY John 13:2-3
- What phrase indicates that He had a right to expect to be served?
- What simple act of service have you refrained from doing because you expect to be served?
- Was this a convenient time for Him to serve? Explain.
- Did everyone at the table appreciate His service? Give a verse or phrase to support your answer.
- What service have you refused to offer because it’s not a convenient time, it’s not your job, and no one appreciates it anyway? Compare your refusal to His willingness.
III. SERVICE THAT’S OFFERED HUMBLY John 13:4-11
- From Luke 22:24-27, what was the subject of conversation among the disciples just prior to the service Jesus performed?
- In this passage, what was the service that Jesus rendered?
- Was this particular service His responsibility?
- Was Jesus asked to serve? v. 4
- Have you refrained from service because no one has asked you to?
- Describe the job He did: Was it glamorous? prestigious? desirable?
- What service are you too proud to do?
- What service are you too proud to receive?
- How would you have spent your time the night before execution?
IV. SERVICE THAT’S OFFERED OBEDIENTLY John 13:12-16
- What are two reasons Jesus gives for your service? v. 12-16
- Give other reasons for service from 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Hebrews 13:15-16, Ephesians 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:2; 1 Peter 4:10; Revelation 1:6.
- How does your obedient service reflect His? See Philippians 2:5-8.
V. SERVICE THAT’S OFFERED GLADLY John 13:17
- What does Jesus say will be the result of your loving, willing, humble, obedient service to Him, from verse 17? from John 12:26? from 2 Corinthians 4:1, 7, 16-18?
