At Your Service- Week 2
The Power of Servant Leadership: Learning from Jesus’s Example of Washing Feet
Being treated with honor can make us feel important and valued. However, Jesus redefined honor through a profound act of service that continues to challenge our understanding of true greatness.
Why Was Foot Washing Such a Significant Act?
In ancient Jewish culture, foot washing was considered beneath even slaves. The Mishnah (Jewish oral tradition) stated that it was too lowly for wives to wash their husbands’ feet or for Jewish slaves to perform this task. It was reserved only for Gentile slaves – the lowest in society.
When Jesus chose to wash His disciples’ feet, He deliberately stepped below every cultural, legal, and social expectation. This would be like finding a CEO cleaning toilets or a Supreme Court Justice taking out the trash – it was shocking and revolutionary.
What Does This Teaching Reveal About True Leadership?
Jesus demonstrated that true greatness comes through serving others. Despite being the King of creation, He:
- Removed His outer garments
- Wrapped Himself in a towel
- Knelt before His disciples
- Performed the most menial task
This act wasn’t just about cleaning feet – it was about redefining leadership and love through humble service.
How Does This Connect to Biblical Worship?
The Hebrew word “avad” means to work, serve, and worship. These concepts are interconnected in Scripture:
- In Genesis, humans were placed in the garden to work and care for it as an act of worship
- Paul calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices
- Service becomes holy when done for God’s purposes
What is a Cruciform Life?
“Cruciformity” – living a cross-shaped life – means allowing every aspect of our existence to be shaped by Christ’s example. This includes:
- Serving at all costs
- Loving when it hurts
- Giving when empty
- Surrendering status
- Forgiving enemies
- Leading with a towel, not a title
Life Application
The church shines brightest not when it’s powerful, but when it kneels to serve others. Consider these questions:
- In what areas of your life are you holding onto your “crown” instead of picking up a “towel”?
- How can you serve someone this week in a way that might feel beneath your status or comfort level?
- What would it look like to lead with humility in your family, workplace, or community?
Challenge: Choose one specific way to serve someone this week that makes you uncomfortable or challenges your pride. Remember Jesus’s words: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”