Self-denial & Seeing Needs 

3 knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God...

Luke 22:27 ...but I am among you as he that serves  Mk 10:42...great ones exercise authority upon them. 43  But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant: 44 whosoever will be the chief shall be servant of all. 45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Php 2:3  in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4  Look not on own things, but also on...of others.

Energetic Preparation  4  He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

Humility Php 2:7  made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Supernatural Obedience 1Pt 1:22  Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Wisdom/Prayer 1Kg 3:9Give thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad...

Character 2Tim 2:21...purge...22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23...avoid...strife 24 the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves...

Relinquish Rights 5 he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel

1Jn 3:16 ...because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our LIVES for the brethren.

Likes; Individuality; Value (Time, Money, Strength, Security, Comfort, Significance, Possessions) Expectations; Self-interest

Eph 6:6  Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart

2Sam 15:21 Ittai said...whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. Ac 28: 3 Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks...

Value God’s Approval when Resisted 6 he comes to Peter: who says to him, Lord, do you wash my feet?

Gal 1:10...do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Abase Yourself for Love 11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean.

Jn 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35  By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

Need Meet through Actions and Instruction  

12  So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you? 13  You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. 14  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16  The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Thereafter Joy 17  If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.

John 12:26  serve me...follow me...if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

Col 3:24  Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.

Mt 10:42  give drink to little ones in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Mt 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things...ruler...enter into the joy of thy lord.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why would we rather be served than serve? What causes us to change from a worldly to spiritual perspective?

2. What keeps people from serving? What prompted you to adopt a servant’s lifestyle? Does your self-image embrace servanthood?

3. What tempts us to give up or stop serving? What gives you motivation to continue when tired? Do you want to be great?

4. How can one become a better observer of needs? Can you share an example of how God used someone to meet your need(s)?

5. What are three needs you observe in your family (parents, spouse, kids), accountability partner, BAC’er, employer, co-worker, subordinate, and neighbor(s) that God could use you to meet? How could you do it? What would be the cost/benefit?