The Humble Path of Servant Leadership
Jesus’ teachings often challenged the norms of His time. One such instance was the night He was betrayed by Judas, when He gave His disciples a powerful object lesson in humility. By washing their feet, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is not about seeking power or recognition, but about serving others.
A Lesson in Humility
As Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist and began to wash His disciples’ feet, they must have felt uneasy. It was a task typically reserved for servants, not their revered Teacher. Peter, in particular, was hesitant to accept Jesus’ gesture, but Jesus persisted. This act of humility was a stark contrast to the expectations of the time, where leaders were often revered and served.
The God of the Universe, Humbled
Jesus, the God of the universe, chose to humble Himself and become human. He ministered to the people He created, showing us that true greatness is not about seeking glory, but about serving others. His ultimate act of service was sacrificing Himself on the cross to redeem humanity.
Leading by Serving
Jesus’ example teaches us that no task is too menial for His followers. We must not insist on receiving our due, but rather, lead by serving others. As Mark records, Jesus said, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).
Serving Without Expectation
Serving as Jesus did means humbly and willingly doing whatever needs doing, without thought of recognition or personal gain. A follower of Jesus serves to demonstrate God’s love, and the opportunities to do so are endless – from cooking and cleaning to running errands and babysitting.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings, let us ask ourselves: How can we serve others today? Is there someone in our life who needs our help? Ask God to provide you with an opportunity to serve a stranger today, and keep your eyes open for the person God puts in your path. By serving others, we elevate God and demonstrate His love to the world.
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