Warm Up
If you are doing this study in a group … spend some time talk about something that helps us move a little deeper than just “How was your week?” For example:
- What has been something that has encouraged you lately?
- What is something you are looking forward to in the next few weeks?
- What is something you have been learning or reflecting on recently?
- What is something that has been on your mind this week?
Section #1 . Love Described
Watch Video – Love || A spoken word on 1 Cor 13
Discussion Questions:
- What line or phrase from the spoken word reading stood out to you most?
- How did hearing it spoken this way change how you heard the passage?
- Paul’s words act like a diagnostic mirror. Which description of love feels most natural for you? Which part feels most confronting or challenging?
- Paul says that without love even the most impressive actions amount to “nothing”. Why do you think love must be the starting point for everything else in the Christian life? Can you think of examples where good actions were done without love? What difference did that make?
Section #2 – Love Demonstrated
Watch Video – Bible Project John part 2
Note: John slows the story down in the final week of Jesus’ life. Almost half of his Gospel focuses on these final moments where Jesus shows the depth of God’s love.
Read John 13:1-17
Discussion Questions:
- What stands out to you most in this reading about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet?
Zoom in on John 13:3-5
- Why do you think John highlights Jesus’ authority right before the foot washing?
- What does this story suggest about how God understands power and leadership?
Zoom in on John 13:6-11 (Peter)
Peter initially refuses to let Jesus wash his feet.
- Why do you think Peter struggles to receive this act of love?
- Why is it sometimes harder to receive love than to give it?
Zoom in on John 13:2,10-11 (Judas)
Jesus washes the feet of Judas, even though he knows betrayal is coming.
- What does this tell us about the nature of Jesus’ love?
- How do we hold together having a servant heart and not being walked all over?
Zoom in on John 13:12-17 (An Example)
Jesus says: “I have set you an example.”
- What might “washing someone’s feet” look like in our lives today?
- Where do you see opportunities to serve others in quiet or humble ways?
Section #3 – Love Sustained
Read John 15:1-17
Jesus’ invitation is not primarily “do more”, but “abide in me.”
- Jesus says: “Abide in me, and I in you.” What do you think it means to abide in Christ?
- In the analogy of the vine, what are the advantages of being connected and the dangers of not being connected? How does this relate to our spiritual life and connection with God?
- Corey preaching at EVOLVE last week suggested that Jesus’ main motivation in going to the cross is that we would be able to abide in him, just as he abides in the father. Do you agree or disagree?
- Phil in his sermon suggested that servant-hearted love becomes exhausting if it is disconnected from its source. How might abiding in Christ help sustain long-term love and service?
- If our relationship with Jesus is critical for our ability to express love to all, then what might we do to deepen our connection with Jesus this week? What practices work best for you?
Section #4 – Prayer and Reflection
When you think about perfume (extravagant love), towel (servant-hearted love), and vine (abiding love) — which one do you sense God inviting you to grow in during this season of Lent?
If love flows from abiding in Christ, what is one small way you can connect with God more this week AND what is one what you sense God inviting you to express love this week?
As we come to prayer watch how small acts of love ripple outward. As you watch the video below, ask God to show you where your own acts of love might create ripples this week.
Watch Video – Life Vest Inside – Kindness Boomerang – “One Day”
Prayer
Loving God, Thank you for the love we have seen in Jesus —
Help us to remain connected to Jesus the true vine and source of life.
Teach us to receive your love deeply and to share that love freely.
Open our eyes this week to the places where love is needed.
May our words, actions and attitudes become small expressions of your grace.
And may the ripples of that love spread further than we can see.
Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.