INTRODUCTION

What is the purpose of power? If we accept that God has loaned us each a measure of power in this life, then what does he want us to do with it? Unfortunately, as we look around us, we don't have many good examples of the use of power to draw from. But when we look back into the life of Jesus, we'll see the purpose of power exemplified.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read John 13:1-3. Jesus was fully aware of the power that he held, and yet he never leveraged it for his own benefit. He never turned stones into gold or used it to escape from his enemies. When have you seen someone use power for his or her sake to the detriment of others? When have you used power for your own benefit without regard for others?
   
   
2. What have you seen people do to protect their power? What have you done to protect your power?
   
   
3. Read John 13:4-11. Jesus put his power down to serve others. Why is it so hard for us to do this?
   
   
4. How does insecurity/security affect our ability to leverage our power for the sake of others?
   
   
5. Read John 13:12-15. What does Jesus want us to do with the power we have been given?
   
   
6. What are the benefits of leveraging our power for others?

THINK ABOUT IT

What do you do when you know you are the most powerful person in the room? What does your use of power say about you?

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

What is something specific you can do this week to use the power you have for others?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. John 13:14