The apostle Paul sometimes gets so carried away by what he is trying to communicate that his whole style and tone of writing changes. In Philippians 2 he launches into a beautiful poetic hymn of praise as he reflects on the servant heart of Jesus. As we conclude our mini-series on servant leadership, we share Paul's wonder and see how he encourages the Philippian church to show humility in the pursuit of unity.

'Jesus loved them to the end'. This is one of those phrases in the Bible that stops you in your tracks. What does it mean for Jesus to love them to the end? As we explore the second topic on Servant Leadership, our focus will be on when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples - a symbolic act that displays ‘loving them to the end’. Jesus knows who he is. He knows why he has come into the world. He knows what is about to happen to him on the cross, and the foot washing is an act of selfless, sacrificial, servant love. Wow! It is sometimes hard for us to receive such love. We may be resistant, or feel unworthy or uncomfortable at being served. It is humbling to receive such love. Leadership is about learning to answer the question that Jesus asks 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' As we learn to answer, we are invited to follow and also wash the feet of others - meaning to love as Jesus loves. 'It is when we love one another, that the world might believe' (John 13:34-35).

What do you most admire in a leader? There are many answers to this. Some might say they admire clear thinking and straight talking, others competency, whilst others look for character. What was Jesus' model of leadership? He has certainly has authority and power. He teaches in a way that inspires some and turns others away. He acts in a way that both provokes and heals. That said, the standout attribute of Jesus the leader is his position of servanthood. What does it mean to follow Jesus the servant leader? Let's explore this by looking at Mark 10:32-45 and the request of James and John, who needed to learn a lesson from Jesus about what it means to lead. It is a lesson that applies to every follower of Jesus.

As we continue through Luke’s gospel, we are looking at and thinking about how Jesus does and says new things, transforming lives and breaking new ground; and how he is drawing us all to doing the right thing over and above doing things right! The question is, are we willing to break out beyond what is right and proper and known into the unknown life-giving way that Jesus offers?

It's clear from Luke's gospel account that Jesus is making quite an impression as he spreads his message across Judea. People are amazed at his teaching, astonished by his miracles. Some are attracted, others affronted - but what is it that he offers? What is the 'new thing' at the core of his message? Well, something so new that he says it will burst the old wineskins. Powerful stuff!

In Luke 5:1-12 Jesus invites fishermen to drop their nets and catch more fish than they can imagine, and then He says '...from now on you will fish for people.' But what does fishing for people mean? It is what some people call evangelism. But evangelism, like fishing, is not everyone's cup of tea. For many people it is a word with negative connotations. So, is there a different way to view evangelism? Perhaps as something relevant to everyone, because it is a way of life and not simply an activity that you turn on and off like a tap?

Jesus’ actions and words cause people to stand up in amazement. When was the last time you were shocked into belief? When did your faith in Jesus cause you to be amazed and surprised? In Luke chapter 4 we see a day in the life of Jesus. He encounters evil, speaks sternly against the powers of darkness, heals lots of people and then demons shout at him and he rebukes them. It is exciting, terrifying and life changing stuff. The question is, how do we follow a Saviour with such authority? What might it mean for us to spread the word of his salvation?

Jesus read the scriptures and delivered a sermon in his home synagogue in Nazareth. By this time he had already been on a preaching tour of Galilee and had established a reputation as an exciting new preacher and healer. His local community were bound to be eager to hear him and so the synagogue is likely to have been full. Surely Jesus could expect a warm and enthusiastic welcome...but no! Rather, what he said caused such offence that he was run out of town and nearly killed. Why? What can he have said that caused such fury?

Social media, exams, peer pressure. In this world crammed full of external voices, how do our young people connect with the church and God? During His time in the wilderness, Jesus was also subject to external voices. What can we learn from this, particularly how it relates to our young people and dealing with the pressures they are under?

God is always at work. So along with giving thanks for His faithfulness for things He has done for us in the past, it is also important to consider the new things He is doing. What new things is God revealing to you? How do you perceive the actions of God around you? Discover afresh the work of the Holy Spirit and look forward with an openness towards God's mighty, saving works. Works that bring about the possible where things may appear impossible.