Hours before the cross, Jesus takes off His outer clothing and picks up a towel.
Read what Peter says when Jesus kneels in front of him, and how Jesus answers.
Then read what John says about the light, and who comes into it.
John 13:1-17 | John 3:20-21
Tap a tool, then tap words. Highlight what gets your attention · underline what God is doing or saying · circle a repeated or unfamiliar word.
Read it aloud, then give everyone two minutes to mark it in silence.
Read both passages slowly. Notice what Jesus knows before He kneels, what Peter resists, what Jesus says washing means, and who John says comes into the light. What details stand out? What surprises you?
John 13:1-17: Jesus washes the disciples' feet and sets an example.
John 3:20-21: Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.
Mark it:
- Underline what God is doing or saying.
- Circle a word that repeats, or one you don’t understand.
- Highlight whatever gets your attention, even if you can’t say why.
John 13:1-17
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John 3:20-21
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John 13:1-17
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John 3:20-21
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NET Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. netbible.com
What stood out?
Go around the room. Each person reads one thing they marked. If you know why it stood out, say so. If you don’t, “it just stood out” is a complete answer. Nobody explains, nobody corrects.
Your markings are saved on this device and will be here when you come back.
“Light” Conversations
During the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrates humility and service by washing the feet of His disciples. He invites Peter into vulnerability, being cared for by Him. He instructs them to wash one another's feet, setting an example of humility and service. And He acknowledges that our feet will get dirty, and that we need ongoing care within the community. This kind of community requires consistent effort and mutual support.
Healthy things grow where the light shines. Coming into the light means allowing trusted people to know what is actually true about us. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light (John 3:20-21). Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, and everything that is illuminated becomes a light (Ephesians 5:13). If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7).
Vulnerability is acknowledging where we need God: being open and honest about your feelings, struggles, and needs, like Peter allowing Jesus to wash his feet. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Authenticity is embracing where we are with God: being true to who you are and expressing your genuine self, like Jesus humbly serving His disciples, true to His mission and purpose (Ephesians 4:25; Romans 12:9).
Transparency is allowing others to see Christ through us: being open and honest about your actions and decisions, like a clear glass, letting the light of Christ shine through so others can see Him in us. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Healthy things grow where the light shines.
Read this one out loud.
Discussion questions
- How does vulnerability contribute to personal and spiritual growth?
- In what ways can we create a more authentic and transparent community?
- How has depending on God helped you in times of struggle?
Write it out.
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Let’s pray together
Pray for the grace to let Jesus care for you, the way Peter had to.
Pray for one another to live by the truth and come into the light.
- Where are you refusing to be washed: resisting care you actually need?
- What has been growing in the dark that needs the light?
Leave space for silence, listening, and Spirit-led prayer. If someone senses a word, a Scripture, or a picture for another, offer it gently and pray into it.
Let’s pray
Breakthrough is when God's Kingdom breaks into your reality: His light where things have grown in the dark, His care where you have refused to be cared for. Pray from that Kingdom, not toward it.
Be still for a moment. Open your hands and simply pray: “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Write down where you have been resisting care you actually need, and what has been growing in the dark that needs the light. Bring both into the light with God, whose grace is sufficient, and write down any encouragement, Scripture, or impression you sense while you pray.
You can pray more than once. Stay present, and trust that God is at work. Take your time; there is no hurry.
Choose one. Say it out loud so someone else hears it.
Next time you gather, share what you practiced and how God used it, not for pressure but for encouragement.
The reminder downloads as a calendar event. Open it and it lands on your calendar for tomorrow morning.
Done.
Healthy things grow where the light shines.