Recap: We continued our series on being a real man by looking at another myth of what it means to be a real man. Our world has said that a real man is someone in control, or in power. Come on, man! We know that's not the case. Being a real man isn't about wielding power, it's about leading. Jesus gave a model for this kind of gentle yet tough manhood - He was a servant-leader. A real man is strong enough to set aside his power, confident in who he is, and put the needs and interests of others first. Jesus said if you want to be the greatest, you need to be a servant.

(1) What do you like to do to "escape" or have some "me time"? What do you like to do to chill out?

(2) Where have you personally seen the ugly side of people pursuing power or control?

(3) In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says that God looks at leaders, at men, at people differently than we do. In Mark 9:33-35 we see two different views. What do you think it looks like to lead like Jesus talked about here? What's hard about that?

(4) How does understanding what God thinks of us, and how He views us, help us to live out this role as a servant-leader?

(5) Read John 13:3-5. Verse 3 doesn't seem to match with verses 4-5. What is this trying to say about Jesus' power & His willingness to serve? What should this say to us about how we are to live?

(6) How can I live out the reality of the answers to #5 in my family relationships this next month? What steps can I take to do this, to lead as a servant-leader?

(7) What can you do this week to serve those around you spiritually?

God, the world around me tells me to grab power and control so I don't get run over and I get what I want. Yet, Jesus who was strong, was willing to give up his rights to that power to serve. You are calling me to be a servant-leader too. Help me to do it, to trust you to meet my needs and give me what I need to serve others. Show me how to serve my family and friends well. Give me energy to put others first. I need you because I'm naturally selfish. I want to be your man (woman). Amen