Part 2 – Servant King
Discussion Guide
Christmas can be a time of frustration. Everyone has a plan. Everyone has their own expectations or traditions. Our lives can be lived in a cycle of what I want, deserve, expect...and anger at what did not go as planned. Ego says we should be treated a certain way, and when we’re not, problems arise. Humility is forgiving those who have wronged us and offering them help and healing – like the servant girl, like Jesus. This Christmas season, let’s follow the example of the Servant King who, even though He was above everything, made Himself above nothing for us.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What do you enjoy most about Christmas? What part of the Christmas season frustrates you?
2. Read 2 Kings 5:1-9. What is the back story of Naaman? Why is he not cast out from society by being a leper? Where did he get a glimmer of hope? Do you think his success played a part in his responses in the rest of the story? Consider: do your successes / your ego influence the way you respond to others?
3. Ego says, “People should treat me a certain way.” Read 2 Kings 5:10-12. How did Naaman wish to be treated? What frustrated Naaman about how and what he was told? What does he proceed to do in verse 12? Consider: When do your expectations make life difficult for you or for others? Conversely, Jesus truly was insulted. He had every right to be offended. What was his response as found in 1 Peter 2:23?
4. Ego says, “It should be done my way.” Read the last part of 2 Kings 5:12 again. What did Naaman do/not do? What attitude made him turn away from the prescribed cure and is actually preventing him from being healed? Read Mark 14:36. When faced with a horrible situation, a plan not of His choosing, how did Jesus respond? Do you most often react as Naaman (in indignation and demanding your rights) or like Jesus (humbly obeying the Father and trusting Himself to the ultimate Judge; see 1 Peter 2:23 above)?
4. Ego says, “I’m above certain things.” Read 2 Kings 5:13-14 and Matthew 20:28. What is the perspective of the servants? What is the outcome for Naaman’s obedience? How did Jesus completely refute the idea that He was above certain things? Read Philippians 2:5-8. How or what position/stance do you need to reject?
5. Read 2 Kings 5:15-16. What is Naaman’s natural response to his healing? How does he try to repay Elisha? How is Elisha’s response like the Lord’s response when we try to pay for our sin or earn salvation? How is the young servant girl a foreshadowing of Jesus’ work in our lives?
5. Pray: God, I want to notice my entitled attitudes, and turn from them. I know that we are all created equal, lovely in your sight. We all need healing that only You can give us through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Help me release my plans, my expectations, my rights... and be ready to receive from You or to serve as You lead me. I come boldly to You, asking for Your help and change in my situation. Yet not my will, but Your will. I am willing to trust and obey. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
7. What attributes of the coming Servant King do you find in these Old Testament passages? In your opinion, were they fulfilled by Jesus, the Messiah?
a. Read Isaiah 49:3-7.
b. Read Isaiah 53.
8. What attributes does Jesus display? What principles did He teach us to apply to our lives?
a. Read John 13:1-17.
b. Read Mark 10:35-45.
c. Read Luke 22:24-27.
d. Read Matthew 20:26-28.
e. Read 1 Peter 2:22-23.
f. Read Hebrews 2:17-18.