The Servant Leader

At Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, He surprises them by performing an action only the lowest servants would do. This service is one of His last actions before He dies. What does that tell us about His character?

From an Africa Study Bible application note:

Ancient streets, like streets in parts of our continent, were often dirty and dusty and filled with animal dung. People sometimes dumped trash or excrement into the street. Good hosts provided water so guests could wash their feet. Not doing so would be an insult. Only the lowest servants would wash another person’s feet. Disciples might do many things for a teacher, but they would not wash anyone’s feet. Jesus, however, shockingly took on the role of a lowly servant—to Peter’s discomfort. As Jesus prepared to serve His disciples by giving His life on the cross, He summoned them to follow His example of humble service. 

In our traditional cultures, chiefs were powerful men. Nothing but the love of Christ would make a chief humble enough to serve his servants. It is good that we give people respect, including pastors in our churches. But those who are in leadership should avoid getting puffed up by this. We must remember our own Lord’s example of humble, loving service. 

Those of us under leadership need to have the grace to allow our leaders to serve us without losing our respect for them. When we have the same attitude as Peter, we let the “big man” custom continue. Jesus should be our model of humble service.

Today:  

Sometimes we become so disillusioned with our leaders that we constantly criticise them. But it is possible to respectfully reflect on the leadership attributes of the leaders in your town or city and your country. Meditate on the model for leadership Jesus sets before us. As you compare the two, prayerfully ask God to make these leaders more Christlike and to raise up more leaders who will follow him.