Date: March 6, 2022
A Life of Humble Service
The Point: We reflect Christ when we serve others with humility.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
The Batman is the most recent of the DC superhero films. Promotions for the film have included the typical teaser posters, trailers, and images, as well as interviews with Robert Pattinson, who plays Batman. Additional unique promotions include a Batman pizza-calzone from Little Caesars, Batman Oreos, and AMC Batman NFTs. Between the DC Extended Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, superhero films appear here to stay.
DC recently released a teaser trailer for all its upcoming 2022 films. The clip was titled “The World Needs Heroes.” They are right and wrong. The world needs just one hero, one Savior, one King, Jesus. While our hero has powers greater than any superhero, our hero also has humility. Jesus defeated evil through submission to God and modeled humble service for us.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Get Into the Study Option (from Adult Leader Guide, p. 17)
To introduce the icebreaker question, play a video clip illustrating what it means to be a hero. Then ask Question #1
.
Study the Bible Option (from Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide, p. 10)
After talking about how to change our attitudes and actions related to service, to illustrate the point that we can change how we currently serve and learn to serve with humility, use this video of a chameleon. Afterwards, follow the directions provided on page. 10.
Live It Out
Use the following story to conclude your study of this session.
On Wednesday evening, February 9th, millions of viewers across America held their breath as 22-year-old Nathan Chen took the ice. Over the course of his four-minute free skate routine, Chen boogied, axeled, lept, spun, danced, and skated his way to Olympic gold, his final score towering over his competitors. It was a moment of complete joy for those watching. But I’m willing to bet the greatest joy came from Hetty Wang—Nathan Chen’s mother.
A mother of five, Nathan is her youngest, and since he was three years old, Hetty has been actively lifting up and supporting her son’s skating career. Chen has shared that his family couldn’t afford a full-time coach for many years, so his mother would come to every practice, take note of what he was working on and learning, and then spend hours with him on the ice, coaching him herself. Chen credited his Olympic gold win to his mother, saying “Absolutely none of this would be at all remotely possible without her support….Since day one, 3 years old, I stepped on the ice, and she’s been by my side ever since.” He shared that she had driven him countless hours between Utah and California for his training, never complaining about the distance or time it took from her own life or dreams.
Nathan Chen didn’t begin his skating career as a gold medalist—he began as a child who loved to skate. His mother’s humble, daily sacrifices for her child’s passion are the reason he is standing before the world as an Olympic victor today.
Hetty Wang is a beautiful example of humble service. But still, how much more did Christ serve the world in humility? He sacrificed His own life—the only life lived perfectly—so that we may live eternal lives in victory with Him in heaven. Jesus, the King of all, lifted us up and became low. May His sacrificial love spur us to serve others with humility today, lifting up the dreams of others with joy.
Who is God asking you to serve in humility and love right now? What are the challenges that come with this service?
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband and three sons.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What do we do to help make sure people feel comfortable when visiting in our home?
- Who is the strongest person you have ever known—and how would you describe their strength?
- What makes powerful people a magnet for our attention?
John 13:3-5
- What is the most selfless act you have ever personally witnessed?
- What is the connection between humility and serving others?
- When have you rebelled against performing seemingly menial servant tasks?
John 13:6-10
- What does the fact that Jesus washed Judas Iscariot’s feet teach you about Jesus?
- Why do we have to receive Jesus and submit to Him to receive forgiveness and salvation?
- Why do you think humility is so hard for Christians to practice?
John 13:14-16
- When is it hardest to follow Jesus’ example of servanthood?
- What can help us remain humble when serving others?
- When have you witnessed humble service in the church?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
How to Be Confident Like Jesus
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- Mature Living – Making a Difference in the Shadows
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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