You Must Be Washed

John 13:1-17
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Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2. What is the significance of John telling us that this event took place around the Feast of the Passover? What is important about the event occurring during supper? Describe any connections between the supper stories of John 12:2 and John 20:21.

3. Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. How does John’s portrayal of Jesus compare or complement Isaiah’s portrayal? What similarities do you see between the person described in Isaiah and that of Jesus in John. Do you think this is intentional? Explain.

4. Consider the following passages about cleansing: Psalm 51; Proverbs 20:9; Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 36:25; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Provide some theological thoughts about this topic. Is this cleansing something that is accomplished by God or man? Explain. What is man’s responsibility in cleansing (cf. James 4:7-8)?

5. Why do you think Peter initially refused Jesus’ washing of his feet? How does Peter’s response compare to that of John in Matthew 3:13? How do you think you would have responded in this situation? How would you feel if somebody you admired tried to wash your feet?

6. How does John help us to understand the magnitude of the person who is washing the feet of the disciples; what are some statements that point out His identity? What are we to make of the idea that Jesus washed the feet of Judas?

7. Why did Jesus say this washing was necessary? How crucial to our relationship to Christ is being washed by Him? What is the theological difference between being bathed and having your feet washed? Have you been bathed by Christ? Explain.

8. What stands out to you most about this story? What elements of Jesus’ character do you recognize because of this story. How does it make you feel about Jesus?

9. Jesus said this action was given as an example of how we should treat one another. Do you think God expects us to wash one another’s feet? Why or why not? Should Macedonia have a foot washing service? Would it be wrong if we did such a service? Should we consider foot washing as one of the ordinances along with Communion and Baptism? Explain.

10. What are some ways in which this passage should encourage us in our treatment of other Christians? What are some practical things we should do as a result of Christ’s example and teaching here (cf. Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3; Galatians 6:1-2)?


by Terry Beatty
/  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church   /   10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540   /   (919) 567-3460