Jesus, His example & challenge

"Why is the church so busy reaching the 'many,' when Jesus invested the vast majority of His time in a group of 12 people..."

This comment came to my mind as I thought about what Jesus does and how He invites His disciples. He focuses on a small group. 12 ordinary people - just like you and me. And that's good news. You don't have to be special or extraordinary to go on the road with Jesus. With Jesus you are welcome, and He wants to spend (a lot of) time with you, He wants to be there for you.

In John 1, we see that Jesus begins His "public ministry" after 30 years. He stands up and John says, "Look, the Lamb of God!". This exhortation is enough for Andrew and another disciple of John to start following Jesus. Jesus sees it, turns around, and asks the question, "What are you looking for?" And then they say, "Master, where do You live?" Jesus invites them in. Come on in, come and see. Isn't that cool? I picture them eating a sandwich together, getting to know each other a little bit.

This is how Master Jesus leads. He invites people into His "world," home, and as Master, He will take care of them. The disciples get to see how Master Jesus lives. Prays. Wrestles. Serves. Eats. Walks. They share life. Authentically. Real. In connection. That's Jesus, the leader. What about you? Is it the same with you? That people can really see you? Even as a leader? That you dare to be vulnerable? Really? Do you invite people into your 'home'? May they come close? Or rather at a safe distance? ‘Manageable', well...

Servant leadership we see with Jesus in a very special way when He washes the feet of His followers. The job for the least slave, was performed by the greatest Master. The servant-leader is on His knees, washing, drying. Has Jesus washed your feet before? Jesus uses His unlimited power to serve, to become small, to reach out to others. That has much to say to all of us.

In the microCHALLENGE below, we challenge you to give hands and feet (in a creative way) to servant leadership. Watch the video and get started.

Jesus gives us all a place. And from that place we can exercise influence, and power. If you look around you see how that often happens in the world. Some people use their power and influence so that they themselves can rise even higher.

Jesus shows another way. As a leader, you get to serve someone else. Jesus said that the "highest" - the most important - must be like the one who serves. And Jesus Himself set the example when He tied the towel around His waist and washed His disciples' feet. Wow, what an example.

In this microCHALLENGE, we are going to do just that. You may, of course, wash the other person's feet, or invent something else. Today, look for an opportunity to serve someone else. Unsolicited. Voluntary. Surprising. You don't have to - of course you don't, but you may. And in doing so, you are like your Master Jesus.

Challenge accepted?

Take the following questions to think about & take action on:

• Would you - like Jesus - invite people into your home? Why or why not?
• Why would Jesus have done this in the first place do you think?
• You've seen the microCHALLENGE - what specifically will you do? What would hold you back? Or why exactly do you want to do it? What are your motives?
• What do you see/appeal to you when you look at the serving example of Master Jesus?
• What do you resist when you look at the serving example of Master Jesus?

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, Your example is matchless. I want so much to learn from You. You are so perfect and I am so imperfect. Thank You for opening Your home to me too. I want to be with You. Lord, help me to invite others just as You did. Just like Paul did. And like Moses, help me to pray for the people I get to lead. Whether that be my colleagues, classmates, siblings, friends, or anyone else. And Lord, will You remove what gets in the way of this serving, this leading? In Jesus' name, amen."