Small groups tonight

Senior High (Grades 11-12)

This week we are continuing our series on some of Jesus' tough sayings from the Gospel of John. We are focusing on John 13 (the Last Supper), when Jesus demonstrated humility by washing the disciples' feet. This was a servant's job. Jesus talked a lot about serving and meeting the needs of others, and this was the ultimate object lesson for his disciples.

His actions were followed by a statement: Servants are not greater than their masters, so go and follow my lead by serving others. In our groups, we encouraged our students to find ways to obey Jesus' command to serve. Teenagers can serve in big and small ways; what matters is the attitude of the heart.
This week, I encourage you to talk with your teenager about specific ways to serve other people. Here are some questions that could help fuel your dialogue:

• How do you think the disciples felt as Jesus washed their feet? How would you respond if Jesus volunteered to serve you in a way comparable to this?
• What kind of attitude might you develop if you served others often? What kind of attitude might you start to develop if you rarely served others?
• When was the last time someone did something for you that was a little humbling? When did you last do something for someone that humbled you? What impact did these experiences have on you?

As a family, talk about one way that you could serve each other, a neighbor, or another family. And if it's something that's "dirty" or uncomfortable, that's great. Thank you for being part of the team and helping your student by putting this into practice!

Junior High (Grades 7-10)

We are continuing our New Testament overview in our small groups this week by looking at what it means to have faith and belief in Jesus, based on his conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. We are emphasizing verse 17, which describes why God sent Jesus: not to judge the world but to save it. It isa refreshing look at an important passage, especially because it’s so easy to assume God views us as an angry judge rather than a loving parent.

Take advantage of the chance this week, perhaps in the car or at a meal, to ask your teenager about what he or she learned about God, and be sure to share your thoughts. Take a few minutes to read John 3 and Romans 5:6-8. Those verses give some great pictures of God.

Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

• What people are role models in your life? Why do you admire those individuals so much? 
• What does the phrase “born again” mean? How would you explain it to someone using other terms? 
• Why do you think God was willing to send Jesus as our source of salvation, even for sinners who don’t deserve forgiveness?