Welcome to final week of our fall sermon series called A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus. This week we discuss a conversation Jesus has with his disciples about servanthood. We examine how Jesus forever changed the way humility is viewed, and how he challenges us with his example. We see we were created for serving those around us.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Share Part of Your Story
Describe a time when someone really served you. What was meaningful about that experience to you?
Celebrate
How can your group celebrate the holidays together this year?
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Chapter Fourteen of John Dickson’s book A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus is “Jesus as Servant”. Flip back through the chapter and share with your group what stuck out to you.
Have some read aloud Mark 10:35-47. Which disciples are coming to Jesus and what is the big question they are asking him?
Two Chairs
What kind of response do you think James and John were looking for from Jesus? What do you think they really wanted? What did greatness and position mean to someone in the first century?
How does Jesus answer them? Does he scold them for asking about greatness or reframe their understanding? Why do you think this is?
What are some ways our culture understands greatness today? How is this similar or different from the first century?
How does Jesus challenge the idea of greatness for you today?
Two Ways
There are two different ways to view greatness. The way of the world and the way of Jesus. Read Philippians 2:1-8 aloud. How does Jesus model true greatness?
Pastor Jeff Manion challenged us to think of serving as a mindset deep beneath our actions (the attitude of the heart) in whatever work or service we are doing. What did he mean by this?
What are some ways you can serve others in your circles of influence? What might this look like in your home, school, or place of work?
Our Lord
Jesus redefines greatness as he “…radically shifts the pathway to greatness and the requirement for greatness” with his challenging words to his disciples when he says, “not so with you.” What was this challenge (see Mark 10:43-44)?
How does humility play a role in our understanding of greatness according to Jesus?
This week we learned that greatness is less about our position or title, and more about the heart of a loving servant to benefit others. Unpack this thought with your group. Do you know anyone who exhibits this well? How do they do this?
As we wrap up this sermon series, reflect on the various aspects of Jesus we have studied. What were some of the aspects of Jesus we covered? Which ones stood out to you the most? Where have you been challenged by this series? What is something new you learned, or maybe even “unlearned”?
We’ve been studying what Jesus said, did and who he claimed to be. How has your focusing on the person of Jesus helped you grow? What’s one take away you have, and one step you will take to continue to grow in this?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Discuss how you and your group can better engage the people in your life outside your small group.
Group Growth
As we move into the holiday season, is there someone unconnected to a group that you could add to your group? Who might need what your group has? What’s your plan to invite them to join your group? Who is owning it?
Download a printable PDF here.