Meeting guide · command 37

Be Like The Teacher

Accept the servant's place beneath Jesus and imitate His faithful, humble way.

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Matthew 10:24–25

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

World English Bible

John

John 13:16–17

16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

World English Bible

Jesus prepares disciples for the opposition He receives and, after washing their feet, reminds them that servants are not greater than their master and are blessed when they do as He has done.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

  1. What does Jesus command?
  2. What does this passage reveal about Him?
  3. Where do we resist this command?
  4. What is difficult or unclear?
  5. Which parts of Jesus' way do we want to imitate, and which forms of humility, service, or rejection do we hope to avoid?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Choose one lowly act of service that reflects Jesus' example and do it quietly for someone who cannot advance your reputation.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

How did you serve, what desire for recognition surfaced, and what did the action teach you about Jesus?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Teacher and Lord, make us like you. Free us from status and form in us your humility, courage, and serving love.

Teach

Resembling Jesus includes humble action and faithful endurance; it does not require remaining in preventable abuse or refusing appropriate help.