The Greatest Example of Servanthood
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 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. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:1-17)
Today’s Morsel: If you were asked to define a servant leader, what would you say. Jesus Christ models what every leader must be, know, and do. He showed us what true love looked like when He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He showed us what compassion looked like when He forgave the woman caught in adultery, fed the multitude, and raised the woman of Nain’s son from the dead. He showed us what forgiveness looked like when He sent for Peter after he had denied Him three times. He showed us what faith looked like when He stood and calm the waves and winds of the sea. And He showed us what servant leadership looked like when He girds himself with a towel and washed His disciple’s feet, a task that was done by slaves and servants. Jesus wanted us to understand, that in His kingdom, the greatest is the servant, not the one who may think that they deserve the role of honor. Jesus was all about serving others. And this example was to teach us to never think more highly of ourselves then we ought to. In Christ’s kingdom, if you do not have a servant’s heart, you are not called to leadership.
Sing: O’ what a Savior, oh hallelujah, His heart was broken on Calvary. His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life’s blood for even me.
Thought For Today: Follow the example that Jesus has left for you and you will do just fine.
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