Embodying Servant Leadership: Lessons from the Last Supper
Summary
In today's message, I explored the profound significance of Jesus' actions during the Last Supper, particularly His demonstration of servant leadership. I began by emphasizing the importance of obedience in worship, not just through our songs but through our actions and responses to God's voice. I encouraged everyone to be attentive to what God might be speaking to them during the service, to take notes, and to apply those insights throughout the week.
I then transitioned into the heart of the message, titled "A Dinner to Remember," reflecting on the steps Jesus took just days before His crucifixion and resurrection. I revisited last week's message on the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, highlighting the evidence of God's word through prophecy and the varied responses of worship among the people and Jesus' disciples.
The focus then shifted to the Last Supper, a significant event where Jesus, knowing His time on earth was nearing its end, chose to lead by serving. I dissected John Chapter 13, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, an act that exemplified His understanding of His identity, authority, and destiny. Jesus knew who He was, where He came from, and where He was going, which empowered Him to serve with humility.
I also touched on the practical aspects of our church community, including our efforts to reach out to our neighborhood through Easter basket deliveries. I shared the ways in which the congregation could participate in this outreach, emphasizing the importance of giving not just financially but also through time and talent.
Now, let's delve into the "Key Takeaways" from today's sermon:
1) True leadership is not about status or power but about serving others with humility and love. Jesus, knowing His identity and authority, chose to wash His disciples' feet, setting an example for us to follow. As we lead in our own lives, let us remember that the greatest leaders are those who serve. [53:54]
2) Obedience to God is the core of worship. It's not confined to the songs we sing but is expressed in our daily lives through our actions and responses to His voice. When we align our lives with God's will, our worship becomes a living testimony of our faith. [47:24]
3) Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for effective leadership and service. Jesus knew His identity, which allowed Him to serve without losing sight of His purpose. As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ, we can serve with confidence and clarity. [55:57]
4) Outreach and community engagement are practical expressions of our faith. By reaching out to our neighbors with acts of kindness, like the Easter basket initiative, we demonstrate God's love in tangible ways. This is an essential aspect of living out the gospel. [41:08]
5) The Last Supper teaches us the importance of remembrance and reflection. As we partake in communion or reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, let us not forget the depth of His love and the example He set for us to emulate in our own lives. [51:35]
In conclusion, today's message was a call to embody the servant leadership of Jesus, to worship through obedience, and to actively engage in our communities as an extension of our faith. Let us take these lessons to heart and live them out in our daily lives.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Example of Humility
3. Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus Teaches About Serving Others
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jesus take during the Last Supper that demonstrated servant leadership? (John 13:4-5)
2. How did Jesus' understanding of His identity and destiny influence His actions at the Last Supper? (John 13:3)
3. What was the significance of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, and how did the disciples react to this act? (John 13:6-8)
4. How does Philippians 2:5-8 describe Jesus' attitude and actions, and how do they relate to the events of the Last Supper?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for leaders to understand their identity and purpose, as Jesus did? How does this understanding impact their ability to serve others? (John 13:3) [55:57]
2. In what ways does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet challenge conventional views of leadership and authority? (John 13:4-5) [55:12]
3. How does the concept of obedience to God as an expression of worship, as mentioned in the sermon, align with the actions and teachings of Jesus during the Last Supper? (John 13:14-15) [47:24]
4. How can the example of Jesus' humility and service in Philippians 2:5-8 be applied to modern-day leadership within the church and community?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a leadership position. How did you demonstrate humility and service in that role? How can you improve in this area? [53:54]
2. Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience to God as a form of worship. What are some specific ways you can practice obedience in your daily life this week? [47:24]
3. Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for effective leadership and service. How can you grow in your understanding of who you are in Christ, and how will this impact your ability to serve others? [55:57]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of community engagement and outreach. What are some practical ways you can get involved in your community to demonstrate God's love? [41:08]
5. Reflect on the significance of the Last Supper and Jesus' sacrifice. How can you incorporate remembrance and reflection into your spiritual practices, such as during communion or personal devotion time? [51:35]
6. Think about the upcoming Easter basket initiative mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute your time, talent, or resources to support this outreach effort? [41:47]
7. Jesus led by example through serving others. Identify one person in your life whom you can serve this week. What specific action will you take to show them humility and love? [53:54]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of servant leadership, obedience, identity in Christ, and community engagement as exemplified by Jesus during the Last Supper.
Devotional
Day 1: Servant Leadership Redefined
True leadership is exemplified in the humble act of serving others, a principle Jesus Himself demonstrated. In a world where leadership is often associated with power and control, the concept of servant leadership stands in stark contrast. Jesus, fully aware of His divine identity and authority, chose to wash the feet of His disciples. This was not a mere cultural ritual of hospitality but a profound lesson in humility and service. By this act, Jesus redefined greatness in the kingdom of God, showing that the path to true leadership is paved with the towel and basin, not the scepter and throne. This challenges the contemporary notions of leadership and invites believers to embrace a counter-cultural approach to influence and authority.
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Who can you serve today in a way that challenges traditional ideas of status and power, and how can you make this act a part of your regular routine? [53:54]
Day 2: Obedience: The Heart of Worship
Worship extends far beyond the songs sung within the walls of a church; it is a lifestyle of obedience to God's voice. True worship involves a daily commitment to align one's actions with God's will, turning every decision, every response, and every act into a reflection of faith. This obedience is not born out of obligation but out of a deep love for God and a desire to see His kingdom come to fruition in the world. As believers practice this holistic approach to worship, their lives become a living testimony, impacting others and drawing them closer to the heart of God.
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to obey God's voice, and what practical step can you take today to bring that area into alignment with His will? [47:24]
Day 3: Identity in Christ for Confident Service
Understanding one's identity in Christ is foundational for serving others effectively. Jesus' service to His disciples was rooted in a secure knowledge of who He was, His origin, and His destiny. This self-awareness allowed Him to serve without fear or insecurity, fully embracing His role as a servant. As believers grow in their understanding of their identity in Christ, they too can serve with confidence and clarity, knowing that their worth is not determined by their role but by their relationship with God.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How does your understanding of your identity in Christ affect the way you serve others, and what is one step you can take to deepen that understanding? [55:57]
Day 4: Faith in Action through Community Engagement
The Christian faith is not meant to be lived in isolation but is to be expressed through practical acts of love and service within the community. Outreach initiatives, such as delivering Easter baskets to neighbors, are tangible demonstrations of God's love. By engaging in these acts, believers put their faith into action, not only meeting physical needs but also building bridges for the gospel. This active participation in the community reflects the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve your community this week, and how can you incorporate this into your regular routine? [41:08]
Day 5: Remembering and Reflecting on Christ's Sacrifice
The Last Supper is a poignant reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the depth of His love. As believers partake in communion or reflect on the events leading to the crucifixion, they are called to remember not only the physical act of Jesus' death but also the spiritual significance behind it. This act of remembrance is not a passive one; it should lead to a deeper reflection on how to emulate Jesus' example in daily life. By doing so, believers honor His sacrifice and continue to live out the transformative power of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you more intentionally remember and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life, and how can this remembrance shape your interactions with others? [51:35]
Quotes
"When we come we can be obedient to God in our worship, yes in our singing, but how we worship really is our obedience to God and not just the songs we sing. Amen. So today's message, if you brought your notepad or your phone or whatever it is that you use to take notes, listen, you hear me say this all the time, if you've been here at all, I don't care that you write down anything cool that I say, but really what I'm asking for you to do as we pray in just a minute, we're going to posture ourselves to say, 'Lord, speak to us.'" [48:01]
"Jesus led as a servant. So I want to ask a question real quick, what's a leader? Somebody shows by example, that's a good one. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Does that sound like a good definition of a leader? A leader is someone who's able to take someone somewhere that they cannot go themselves. And how many of you know each and every one of us have things in our life that we need somebody to lead, ultimately we need God to lead us and direct us in our life." [53:54]
"Jesus knew that the father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that he had around him. Jesus knew who he was, he knew his identity. So this is a key to be a strong leader, you have to know your identity." [55:57]
"Jesus in this point in time on the earth, he knew who he was, he knew where he came from, and he knew where he was going. What do you think is the significance of that? Who do you think the leader was in this passage of scripture? God the Father, somebody said it. Would you agree with that, that God the Father was the leader? So who's the follower then, in the context of this passage? Jesus is the follower." [56:49]
"We have including the apartments across the street, 420 homes here in the 127. So what we were praying about is how do we be the most effective in our neighborhood for Easter. Wouldn't it be cool if we could take Easter to our neighborhood? And so how we practically came up with a solution to that is to take an Easter basket and deliver an Easter basket to every single home here in the 127. Isn't that cool?" [41:08]
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