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LEARN & GROW
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Week of November 8, 2009
KEY VERSE
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." (John 21:12a)
CENTRAL TRUTH
Jesus set the example for us in serving others.
DEVOTION
So many times we read in the Word how Jesus has demonstrated a servant heart. In this particular instance, He has just revealed Himself to the disciples for the third time following His resurrection. Day was breaking, and the disciples had fished all night in the Sea of Tiberias without catching anything. When Jesus asked them if they'd caught any fish, and they'd told Him they hadn't, He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, and they'd find some. They did, and as they were dragging their net full of fish onto land, that's when Jesus called to them to come and have breakfast.Some years ago, I went along with my husband to take a group of people from a retirement home on a trip to the mountains. On the bus I sat next to a dear lady who was battling Alzheimers. There were many things she was having trouble remembering, but she told me this story in beautiful detail with tears rushing down her cheeks. Ever since then, this has been one of my favorite passages, and I'm awed when I picture it in my mind. She said, "Can't you just see Jesus kneeling down on the ground to prepare a fire and laying the fish on it? Can't you smell the fish cooking as the smoke rises in the morning air? Can't you see how Jesus smiles as He prepares a meal for these men He loves? Can't you just hear the sweetness in His voice as he calls them and the tender way He serves the meal to them?" I cannot help but be in amazement that this same Jesus, with His servant heart, loves me, and He loves you, too. I want to have a servant heart and show His love to others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Can you remember a time when a Christian has shown a servant's heart to you?
- What are some ways you can serve others and show God's love to them?
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