A Different Kind of Leadership

Stop. Take a deep breath. Write down or at least think of all the characteristics of a good leader.

Listen. John 13 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 

Reflect. Roads were dusty and peoples’ feet got dusty. In order to keep the house clean, hosts would set a bowl of water near the entry so guests could wash their feet. Higher income homes would have a slave wash guests’ feet. Status was a huge part of the culture and a teacher (and definitely not the Son of God) would NEVER stoop to the lowest level of social class and wash someone else’s feet. Jesus is not an ordinary teacher. As the embodiment of God’s love and kingdom, Jesus turns everything upside down by not only washing the disciples’ feet but by sending them to do the same for others. To wash someone else’s feet would mean setting aside all pride, any sense of being better or more valuable than someone else.

What did you think of for characteristics of a good leader? Jesus shows us that a good leader is humble and takes the form of a servant.      

Pray. Gracious God, help us to set aside all pride and roll up our sleeves to serve in your world.

Carry On. What is one thing you can do to encourage at least one other person in your life today?