What would you do for power? Most people climb, fight, or manipulate to get to the top. But not Jesus. Jesus didn’t come to take power; He came to give it away. He didn’t demand service, He served those around him. The King of the universe humbled Himself in a way that completely redefined greatness. Today, let’s read about a powerful moment where Jesus shows us what true leadership looks like.

Read John 13:1-7 (ESV)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

Reflection:

  1. In what areas of your life do you tend to seek power or recognition? How might Jesus’ example of serving others instead of demanding service challenge your approach?

  2. What does Jesus’ act of humility in washing His disciples' feet reveal about His character and the kind of leader He is?

Additional Resources

Radical - “Jesus Our Servant”