Grow Guide | March 15, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, March 15, 2026
Series Theme: That They May All Be One
Reading: John 13:1-14
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Listen to the Bob Dylan song, “Gotta Serve Sombody.” What’s your take away?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence, and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
CONTEXT
Our series, That They May All Be One, we will focus on Jesus's life and ministry as he journeys to the cross. Easter people, we are also on a journey! A journey for Easter church to settle into one building together. A journey to rediscover Christianity that prioritizes care for our neighbor and discipleship that mirrors the transformative love of Jesus. A journey to notice Jesus in unexpected ways and as he unites us all in his life, death and resurrection. John 17:20-21 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus does not let anyone remain in suffering or without community. Jesus calls us together! What will you do this Lent to come to closer to Jesus and to everyone in our community? How will we share God’s love in Jesus together, as one people?
From Dr Craig Koester at EntertheBible.org:
On the last night Jesus has with his disciples, the central act is not the institution of the Lord’s Supper but the washing of feet. Jesus takes on the role of a servant by washing the feet of his guests, the disciples. In this gesture, Jesus not only shows his disciples what servant love looks like, but also as host, welcomes the disciples into his home with the Father. There are many connections between Mary washing Jesus’ feet and then Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, showing the mutual love expressed between Jesus and disciples. These connections to Mary’s love and devotion emphasize the contrast between Mary and the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. Surrounding the love commandment (13:34-35) is Judas’ departure (13:30) and the foretelling of Peter’s denial (13:36-38). To wash one another’s feet might also be to wash the feet of the ones who could turn against you. It will be this sign of abundant love that the disciples will need to show each other to be comforted in Jesus’ absence.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
The author of the book, Stranger God, Richard Beck, invites us to pay attention this Lent to how Jesus may show up to us in disguise. Where might have you seen Jesus in disguise this Lent so far?
Open to John 13. What is the setting of this story? Some stories are unique to a Gospel, the story of the foot washing only appears here in John.
What do you know about Passover? Google for more information. It is no coincidence that Jesus prepares for Passover on his passion journey to the cross.
In verse four, what does Jesus model? Why does John include these details?
What do you make of the exchange between Jesus and Peter (verses 6-9)? What does Jesus model for us? What does Peter model for us? How are they both important to being a follower of Jesus?
What are the two titles ascribed to Jesus in verse 13? How are they different?
Verse 16 is powerful! What is Jesus talking about it?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church embody being a place where we wash the feet of others?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
If someone wants to serve you in some way this coming week, let them. Reflect on why this can be hard to do.
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.