Serving to Lead Wherever You Go
Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash
So, He got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around Him. -- John 13:5 (NLT)
When I taught water exercise classes at a local recreation center, our director would sometimes come in to speak with us. While wearing workout clothes with our gym’s logo, he followed along with the exercise movements as he asked questions. This man stood out from most directors because he worked alongside us. He taught swim lessons when needed, cleaned up spills, and even restocked the vending machines, never asking us to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He wore a suit and tie only for meetings and special events, as needed, unlike many gym directors who wore business attire all the time. What stood out to me most was how he quietly led through simple acts of service.
In John 13, Jesus’ disciples prepared for the Passover meal, securing an out-of-the-way meeting place and gathering the prescribed food as they walked through the filthy streets where sacrificial animals were sold. Since there wasn’t a servant to wash their feet before their meal, Jesus took off His robe, filled a basin with water, and began washing their feet. This humble act demonstrated what it meant to be a servant-leader. At first, Peter didn’t want his teacher to wash his feet. Jesus’ lesson in humility made a lasting impression on him. His actions showed that true leadership is about serving others, even when it’s mundane or humbling. Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Doing every day or messy jobs isn’t enjoyable, but it’s often necessary. Things like cleaning up spills with our kids, picking up trash on the sidewalk, or helping set up chairs at church are small ways we can serve and make a difference. Do you step up to help, or do you let someone else do it? Real servant-leadership, as Jesus demonstrated, means being willing to do what His example encourages: lead by caring for people and doing what’s needed, not just what we want to do. People will remember what we do far more than what we say.
Questions for Reflection:
- Who have you noticed demonstrate servant-leadership where you live, work, or worship?
- How does this person's humble behavior influence you?
- How can you serve-lead at home, work, your community, and church?
