Lead by serving

John 13:1 – 23

One of Jesus’ leadership styles was service. It is always a fine balance for a leader to show vulnerability and to serve because the inclination of people is to put leadership on a pedestal and when they serve to make them common and lose respect. Many leaders simply choose not to find them selves in that position but I believe leadership is about setting examples. Jesus set the example in this passage.

Washing someone feet, in this culture, was the servant’s job. Sandals were worn every where, roads were not paved so to keep homes clean, servants would wash the feet of visitors. It is a sign of care and service and Jesus was setting an example for all grasp. Too many times when we think we have arrived we forget that love must rule our hearts. We must love enough to give the people around us what they need to become who they are called to be.

I think one of the very important points we must understand here is Jesus washed Judas’ feet. Jesus knew who Judas was and what he was going to do. Judas had become a betrayer and enemy of Jesus but he was not an enemy to Jesus, he was still a man that was loved by God. We don’t know Judas’ motive for betraying Jesus but we know Jesus’ motive for washing his feet, love. What an amazing example of how we should treat people. This is also a marvelous example of God’s love for all people. Think about it, Jesus knew this man was going to be responsible for His death. He was not just some random man, he was a friend, a disciple, some one he had invested His life into. Judas did not just turn his back on Jesus but had totally rejected Him. Despite all of that Jesus’ still loved him and washed his feet!

What have you don that you feel God cannot forgive? What have you done that you feel unloved for? Those are both lies! God loves and forgives always when we ask. He believes in you and will not give up on you. If he would wash the feet of his betrayer, don’t you think He will love you enough to walk you through whatever you are facing or have done?

Let Him love you today! Allow Him to show you that love, in a way you can understand it. You may be amazed at what God will do.