JESUS IS OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:3-5 (KJV)

Jesus taught us by example the principle of servant-leader. Yes, He came as the Son of God, He walked this earth with full understanding of His position, yet, He stooped so low as to wash the feet of His disciples. Look at the scripture closely, He was intentional. He didn’t just wash their feet, He set aside His garment, He poured the water by Himself into the basin, and then washed their feet one after the other. What a great show of servanthood!

In the same way, God expects us to serve, irrespective of our position in society or the church. A leader must be ready to stoop to conquer. You can put on your imagination and think of what was going through the minds of the disciples. I am sure some of them froze, and some were confused, Peter found his voice and forbade Him to wash his feet. All of these are natural reactions because what everyone knows of the leader is the one whose command must be obeyed, but Jesus here laid an example and redefined leadership.

A leader is not the one who issues commands. A leader, as exemplified by Jesus is one who leads by example. He is not saying “do as I say” but rather “do as I do”. For anybody to wash somebody’s feet, the person must come down. You don’t wash somebody’s feet by standing. Jesus stooped down, and that is the example the church should follow. When you truly know who you are, you will find it easy to serve others, because you are not trying to prove a point. When you are secure in yourself, service becomes easy.

Further Reading John 13: 1-17
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Job 30-31; Evening- Acts 13:26-52