Imagine the filth and stench of the disciples’ feet at the last supper. Surely the sweat-inducing heat combined with nearly bare feet on dusty roads produced a disgusting grime and undignified odor. Still, in an effort to demonstrate the extent of His love for the disciples, Jesus—the guest of honor, a respected teacher, the very Son of God—took on what was considered the most menial, humiliating task of washing their feet. It was a powerful and pivotal moment: “Then He poured water into the basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with the towel which He had tied around Himself” (John 13:5). Although none of His disciples had considered His dignity and comfort at the meal, He considered theirs. Prior to mealtime, a servant would normally perform this task. On this occasion, no servants were available, and a lesson in humility and leadership needed to be taught to these future leaders.
When His followers were discussing their importance and position, Jesus, the perfect example of a servant leader, said to His disciples: “But I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27b). He reminded them that leadership requires sacrifice and a willingness to put others first: “Whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26b-28). Ronald Reagan understood the principle of servant leadership, the strength of servanthood. While John Hinckley’s attempt to assassinate him failed, the bullet wound was serious enough to weaken and hospitalize the president. One day very surprised aids caught the president on his hands and knees cleaning up some water he had accidentally spilled on the floor. Seeing their amazement, he simply explained that he didn’t want a nurse to be blamed for the mess he’d made. There was the most powerful, influential man in the free world crouched down on the ground cleaning up after himself. He could have called for an assistant to do the cleaning or just left it for a nurse to clean up, but instead, he humbled himself. He put the interests of others before his own and gained great respect.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:3-8
Personal Application: Jesus calls all leaders to be selfless servants, to look after the interests of others, and to have an attitude of humility. Do you fight for position, argue about your importance, expect others to serve you, or get frustrated when you are not appreciated? Do you carry an attitude of entitlement or humility? Ask the Lord to give you a servant’s heart and begin a habit of serving others, bearing in mind what Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me” (Matthew 25:40b).
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5