Group Discussion Starters – John 13:1-10
Have two or three people read the text of John 13:1-10.

In verse one we are told Jesus knew “that His hour had come”. Read John 12:23-27 to gain insight into Jesus’ awareness of His “hour”. What is the significance of this time? Consider His ministry, His purpose, His friends, His feelings.

If you knew when your “hour” to depart the world was near at hand. How would you spend your time? What would you do?

Verse three says that Jesus knew God “Father had given all things into His hands”. Read John 3:34-36. What do you think the phrase means. Consider it’s context in John 3 and why it is important to Jesus just before the lesson he is about to teach in john 13.

Jesus is about to take on the role of a slave, in service. And yet John makes it clear that Jesus has not given up any authority at all. Everyone in the room knows who is “in charge.” In what ways do we confuse authority and service or attitude towards others?

We have been studying 1 Peter, and it is Peter who has the biggest reaction to Jesus’ lesson. Read 1 Peter 5:5 and consider if Peter learned it.

In verse 8, what do you think it means that Jesus says “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me”? Consider again the context of John 3:35-36 and what Jesus is teaching here.

In verse 10, who was not clean, that Jesus was referring to? Consider the teaching, the small group, the ministry life, the experiences Judas had… was it good teaching, good service, or a good church that could save him? What is the only way to be made clean?

Take some time to think about what areas of your life you would rather not have Jesus touch. How can you allow Jesus to clean those areas?