The best way to demonstrate your commitment as a Christ follower is by serving.  Whenever you serve to further God’s purpose in the world you literally become the hands and feet of Jesus, becoming the physical presence of an invisible God to the world. 

• Have you ever seen the physical presence of the invisible God through the act of another person?  What happened?

Read John 13:1-15.  By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus taught them what being a servant required.  The way of a servant first of all calls for unconditional love.  Even though Jesus knew that the disciples would abandon him, that Peter would deny even knowing him, and Judas would betray him, he showed them the full and powerful extent of his unconditional love.  Unconditional love means giving your best and giving without reservation, both to God and to those God sends you to serve.  Read II Samuel 24:24.

• Have you ever given someone your time, energy, and/or service with no strings attached?
• How do you currently give yourself and your life to God?  Is it sacrificial or truly your best effort? 

Read Philippians 2:6.  The second aspect of being a servant requires living in humility.  Even though Jesus knew he was the all powerful God, it didn’t stop him from giving himself totally for the sake of all people.  In order to be the hands and feet of Jesus you must also have a great level of humility, never allowing titles or pride to hinder you from fulfilling God’s purposes.  True Christ followers know that in their own power nothing is possible but with God’s power all things are accomplished.

• Has your ‘title’ in life ever stopped you from serving others?  Explain.
• How has serving kept your life and attitude from becoming prideful?

Read Hebrews 11:6.  When you humble yourself and submit to the Spirit of God you become an influential presence in the Kingdom of God because you are willing to leave your comfort zone and take risks for God.  Risk taking for God causes you to do things you would have never imagined and allows God to use you to give hope to those in despair.  Not only does serving challenge your comfort but changes your perspective in life.  You no longer see through a lens of privilege or indifference but see Jesus in the hurts and needs of those around you.

• What risks have you taken in life?  Have you ever taken a risk for God or to serve people in need?  Explain.
• Describe how a mission trip or service opportunity changed your perspective or life.

Reread John 13:12, 15.  As a Christ follower you are called to lead by example.  After Jesus washed the disciples’ feet he taught them two things about being a servant leader: 1) no excuses & 2) no exemptions.  If you are a follower of Jesus you are expected to serve!

• What excuses have you used in the past to not serve?
• Who or where is God calling you to become Jesus hands and feet?