One of Jesus’ most popular acts of service recorded in the Scriptures was his washing the feet of his disciples. John 13:3-5 tells us:
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (ESV)
As God and teacher, Jesus didn’t have to do this. But he did it to show an important lesson: true leaders serve.
Jesus wasn’t insecure to serve because he knew who he was in his Father. He understood that his value didn’t come from what he did, but from who he was: the Son of God. For this reason, the Bible tells us he knew that he had come from God, and that he would soon return to God. When we understand that our identity is in who Christ is, and not what we do, we don’t get stuck focusing on titles, salaries, and the need to prove ourselves. It no longer matters what others think when we’re secure in what God thinks about us.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your call to lead and serve. I pray I live out this calling with a full understanding of who I am in you. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray, amen.