Lead WellSample

Get Scrubbing

Getting to lead in youth ministry has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I get to help shape the emerging generation of Jesus-followers. There will be adult Christians who lead in their homes and churches one day who will tell stories of the things they learned from me. It is an honor, and a privilege. It’s also a lot of fun.

It is all about serving.

There are two unique things that happened in the final hours that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. One is remembered fondly, the other is an atrocity.

First, the fond memory:

Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. They gathered for a sacred meal. He knew they were about to face an incredibly trying weekend, and He gives His closest friends (including Judas) a picture of what real leadership looks like.

Jesus, God in the flesh, assumes the role of the lowest household slave and washes the feet of His followers. It is not glamorous. It is not seen as honorable. In fact, Peter objects on behalf of the others, only to be corrected by Jesus. Then Jesus explains: we are all to serve one another, even if it means lowering ourselves. Serving is the way of the Kingdom.

Now, the atrocity:

Judas, pre-foot washing, goes to the religious leaders and collects 30 pieces of silver for the life of Jesus. Jesus was betrayed for the going rate of a common household slave.

Do you see what happened?

Jesus assumes the role of a common household slave, and Judas foists it upon Him.

In leadership, there will be times that people try to assign a role to you. They will assume that you are there for them to use and abuse.

Wash their feet. Serve them. It’s what Jesus did.

You can pre-empt the betrayals and pains of leadership by remembering that it is your privilege to serve. We will never be greater than our Master Jesus, but we can be like Him.

So get scrubbing.

1. THINK ABOUT IT How can you best serve the people you are leading this week?

2. REFLECT Are you carrying the pain of being treated poorly by those you lead? Take a moment to give thanks that you have been treated like they treated Jesus.

3. PRAY Father, thank You that I get to serve. Help me to remember always that I am here because You placed me here to reflect the character of Jesus to those around me.