Message Notes and Small Group Questions

Follow along with Sunday’s sermon, or access discussion questions based on the message for your small group.


On weeks with guest speakers or special events, message notes and small group questions may not be available.




Message Notes

“Love the Ugly”

John 13:1-11

Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. 4 So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. 5 Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For he knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”



Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”



Philippians 2:6-7 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.



John 13:12-17. When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. 16 “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.


Luke 6:46 - “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?


John 13:21-28 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in his spirit and testified, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples started looking at one another—uncertain which one he was speaking about. 23 One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was he was talking about. 25 So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus replied, “He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” When he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. 27 After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.” 28 None of those reclining at the table knew why he said this to him.




John 13:31-34 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so now I tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”



John 13:36-38 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to him, “where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.” 37 “Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.

Small Group Questions


SHARE

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? How long did you work there?


JESUS KNEW

Read John 13:1-11….Q: How might Jesus’ security in His identity explain His

willingness to serve? How do we serve differently when we are sure of our

identity? How does Jesus’ example challenge common ideas about power,

success, or influence? Where do you see culture promoting the opposite

values?


NOT ME

Q: Do you struggle to receive help from others? Peter strongly resists Jesus

washing his feet. Why do you think he reacts that way? What might Peter’s

reaction reveal about pride, control, or misunderstanding grace?


THE ONE HE LOVED

Q: What is one thing you want to be known for when your time on earth is up?


NEW COMMAND

Read: John 13:31-35…Q: What is different about loving 'the way Jesus loved

us’? Jesus says our love for one another will show the world we belong to Him.

Why do you think loving like Jesus is such a powerful witness?


SERVE THE UGLY

Q: What difference is there between serving people who appreciate us and

serving those who may hurt us? Why do you think Jesus intentionally included

both kinds of people in His act of service? Jesus knew Judas would betray him

and Peter would deny Him and still served them. What does this tell us about

how Jesus views our future failures? How should that shape the way we treat

others? What is one specific step you feel challenged to take this week?


PRAYER

Pray together that we would be known for loving one another the way Jesus

loves us!

Small Group Questions Download


office@mrccnow.org
+1 360-825-2007
1878 Osceola Street North
Enumclaw, Washington 98022
United States
Ministries
    Culture YouthWorshipMissionsWomen's MinistriesMen's MinistriesGroupsYoung Adults
Kids Ministries
    KIDCON 2026MRCC KidMinWednesday NightsKids' EventsRoyal RangersOpen Playtime
Media
    SermonsMessage NotesBible Reading Plan
Church Calendar
    About Us
      Staff and Leadership
        Give

          Copyright Mount Rainier Christian Center 2026

          Powered by Nucleus