Resurgence - Week 4

What engagement requires- give and receive

John 13:1–17

“Equipping believers to discover their calling and live it out together.”

1. Engagement- Moving the inactive to the frontline
2. Community- Moving the isolated into community life
3. Spirit-filled courage- Moving those who walk in fear into a life of courage

Healthy disciples both receive from Jesus and give to others—this is the flow of spiritual life.

The Setting: John 13:1-5

“Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into his hands…” (v. 3)

Jesus serves from:
- security, not striving
- love, not fear
- identity, not insecurity

Receive before you you give(v.5-10)

Peter’s Refusal “You shall never wash my feet.”

Peter struggles to receive because receiving requires:
- An admitting of need.
- A releasing of control.
- An ability to trust.

“Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”

Served people serve people.

But people who refuse to be served often serve from:
- Guilt
- To prove worth and earn.
- Obligation and Exhaustion
- Letting Jesus wash us is how we are engaged at the heart level, not just the calendar level.

When you receive, give. (v.12-17)

Jesus does not abandon authority—he redefines leadership.

Community isn’t built through proximity alone—it’s built through shared humility and service.

Grace Flows Through Engaged Believers Into the World

Where are you intentionally setting aside time to model this kind of love?

Small Group Discussion Questions

Text: John 13:1–17
Theme: When You Receive, Give

1. Receiving Before Giving
- Jesus tells Peter that unless he allows Jesus to wash him, he has no share with Him (v.8).
- Why do you think receiving from Jesus can be harder than serving Him?
- What gets in the way for you personally?

2. The Motive Behind Our Service
- Jesus serves from security, not striving (v.3).
- How does knowing who Jesus is and where He’s going shape the way He serves?
- In what ways have you seen insecurity or exhaustion affect how you serve others?

3. “Served People Serve People”
- The sermon said that refusing to be served often leads us to serve from guilt, obligation, or image.
- Which of those do you most easily fall into—and how does that affect your joy or endurance?

4. Engagement and Community
- Jesus commands His disciples to wash one another’s feet—an uncomfortable, unseen act.
- What does “foot-washing” look like today in our church, groups, or neighborhoods?
- Where do you see God inviting you into deeper engagement or community?

5. Doing Likewise
- Jesus ends by calling His followers to action, not just understanding (v.17).
- Where is God asking you to intentionally give your time, presence, or love right now—especially where no one may notice?

3-Day Devotional

Theme: The Flow of Grace — Receive, Be Formed, Give

Day 1: Let Jesus Wash You

Scripture: John 13:6–10

- Peter’s refusal to let Jesus wash his feet feels respectful—but it’s actually resistance. Receiving grace requires humility. It means admitting need, releasing control, and trusting Jesus with our vulnerability.
- Many of us are comfortable doing things for Jesus, but less comfortable letting Him minister to us. Yet Jesus is clear: receiving from Him is not optional—it’s foundational.
- Before engagement becomes action, it must become availability.

Reflection Questions:
- What makes it difficult for you to receive help or grace from Jesus?
- Are you more comfortable serving than being served? Why?

Prayer: Jesus, help me receive Your grace freely. Teach me to stop striving and allow You to meet me in my need. Amen.

Day 2: When You Receive, Give

Scripture: John 13:12–15

- After washing their feet, Jesus doesn’t suggest service—He commands it. But notice the order: He serves first. Grace flows to us before it flows through us.
- We don’t give to earn love—we give because we’ve received it. True community is built when people kneel beside one another, doing the unseen and inconvenient acts of love.
- Served people serve people.

Reflection Questions:
- How has God’s grace shaped the way you serve others?
- Where might God be inviting you to give more intentionally?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for serving me first. Let Your grace shape how I love and serve others today. Amen.

Day 3: Do Likewise

Scripture: John 13:16–17

- Jesus ends with a promise: blessing comes not from knowing, but from doing. Spirit-filled courage doesn’t wait for comfort—it moves forward in obedience.
- Following Jesus means choosing humility in a world obsessed with status. It means loving without guarantees and serving even when it costs us something.
- The question isn’t if we are called—it’s where we will live it out.

Reflection Questions:
- Where is God asking you to “do likewise” this week?
- Who around you might need humble, intentional love?