Joseph’s Dilemma
Matthew 1:18-25

Review:

1. Joseph’s love for Mary even when he thought she had been unfaithful illustrates God’s unconditional, selfless love for unworthy sinners
2. Joseph was able to love Mary so selflessly because of His trust in and obedience to God.

Go Further: Read John 13:1-17, 34-35; 15:12-13

1. What does verse 1 tell us that Jesus knew was about to happen?
2. How does verse 1 describe how Jesus felt about His disciples?
3. What does verse 2 tell us about Judas’ plans? If you know someone was making such plans about you, how would you feel about that person?
4. What does verse 3 tell us about Jesus’ authority? Who was really in charge of all the events leading up to His crucifixion?
5. The action described in verses 4 and 5 was important in days when people wore sandals on dirt roads. Since Jesus wore a towel around His waist, what statement was He making about the uncleanness of His disciples? What does this tell us is involved in true love?
6. The action described in verses 4 and 5 was normally reserved for the least important servant in a household. What does this tell us about Jesus’ humility? Why do you think humility is an essential component of true love?
7. Why do you think Peter objected in verses 6 and 8 to Jesus’ action? What does this tell us about Peter’s understanding of leadership?
8. What does Jesus’ response to Peter in verse 8 tell us about the importance of His sacrifice for us? Why do we need to be washed in the blood of Jesus?
9. Read verse 10. In what way was Peter already clean? How did he still need to become clean?
10. Who does verse 11 say was not clean in the sight of Christ?
11. In verse 14, what does Jesus say we should for one another? What does this tell us about the nature of true love?
12. In verses 15 and 16, why does Jesus say we should imitate Him?
13. Verses 21-30 make it clear that Judas was still at the table when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. What does this tell us about the nature of true love?
14. What is the new commandment Jesus gives to His disciples in verses 34 and 35?
15. Why do you think Jesus waited for Judas to leave before giving this commandment? Is everyone able to keep this commandment?
16. How do Jesus’ actions in verses 4 and 5 illustrate and help to explain this new commandment?
17. In verse 35, what does Jesus say is the best way for us to demonstrate that we are His disciples?
18. After Jesus repeats the new commandment in 15:12, what does He say is the greatest form of love in verse 13? How does this fit with Jesus’ actions in 13:4-5?

Apply:

1. “Love is seeking what is best for someone else, regardless of the cost to the self.” What do you think of this definition of love? How and to whom do you think God is calling you to demonstrate this kind of love?
2. How does Jesus washing Judas’ feet challenge the way you think about true love?
3. How does Jesus laying down His life for His disciples challenge you in the way that you love those around you?