Discussion Guide: Power That Kneels (John 13:1–17, 34–35)
Desired Takeaway
To recognize that true love looks like using our power to serve others—and that we can only live this way after first allowing Jesus to love and transform us.
Icebreaker (choose one)
Scripture Focus
John 13:1–9, 12–15, 34–35
Lean In (Open & Relational)
Look Down (Observe the Text)
Read 1 John 3:16-18
Look Out (Connect to Real Life)
Look In (Personal Reflection)
Live It Out (Imagination & Practice)
Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Practice Hidden Service - Do one intentional act of service this week that no one notices or praises.
2. Receive Before You Give - Spend 5–10 minutes each day in quiet prayer, simply allowing Jesus to love you—especially in areas where you feel insecure or guarded.
3. Reframe Power Moments - Pay attention to moments when you have influence (conflict, leadership, parenting, etc.). Pause and ask: “What would love look like here?”
Prayer Prompt
Invite God to reshape your understanding of power and love. Ask for the humility to receive His love deeply, and the courage to reflect that love in how you treat others—especially in moments where you would normally choose control, defensiveness, or pride.
To recognize that true love looks like using our power to serve others—and that we can only live this way after first allowing Jesus to love and transform us.
Icebreaker (choose one)
- What’s harder for you: asking for help or offering help?
- If you had ultimate power or influence for a day, how would you use it?
Scripture Focus
John 13:1–9, 12–15, 34–35
Lean In (Open & Relational)
- When you think about “power,” what comes to mind? How do people typically use power in our world?
Look Down (Observe the Text)
Read 1 John 3:16-18
- According to verse 16, how is love defined—and what stands out to you about that definition?
- In verses 16–17, what connection do you see between what Jesus has done for us and how we’re called to respond to others?
- Verse 18 contrasts love in words with love in action. What do you think is the difference, and why does that matter?
Look Out (Connect to Real Life)
- Where do you see power being used for personal gain rather than for others?
- Where do you see power being used for the benefit of others? What would it look like for someone in your world (boss, parent, leader, friend) to use power like Jesus does?
Look In (Personal Reflection)
- Where in your life do you tend to hold onto power—whether through control, defensiveness, or needing to be right? Is it harder for you to serve others, or to let Jesus serve and love you in vulnerable places?
Live It Out (Imagination & Practice)
- What would your relationships look like if you consistently used your influence, words, and actions to lift others up instead of protecting yourself? How might your home, workplace, or friendships change?
Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Practice Hidden Service - Do one intentional act of service this week that no one notices or praises.
2. Receive Before You Give - Spend 5–10 minutes each day in quiet prayer, simply allowing Jesus to love you—especially in areas where you feel insecure or guarded.
3. Reframe Power Moments - Pay attention to moments when you have influence (conflict, leadership, parenting, etc.). Pause and ask: “What would love look like here?”
Prayer Prompt
Invite God to reshape your understanding of power and love. Ask for the humility to receive His love deeply, and the courage to reflect that love in how you treat others—especially in moments where you would normally choose control, defensiveness, or pride.