A True Christian Leader is a Servant!

In John 13:1-5, we find one of the most profound lessons in servanthood and leadership that Jesus taught. As His final moments on earth approached, Jesus chose to leave His disciples with an indelible message—not through words, but through an act of humility. The imagery of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet is a call for all leaders, especially within the church, to adopt a servant’s heart.  Jesus was showing them the attitude and posture required to fulfill the great commission of preaching the gospel throughout the whole world and to every creature.

The Scene: An Avoided Basin

As the disciples gathered for the Last Supper, they entered a room where the custom of foot-washing by the lowest slave was glaringly neglected. Each disciple avoided the basin, eager to secure their place at the table rather than humble themselves.

Jesus, being aware of the gravity of the moment and His divine authority, chose to act contrary to expectations. He laid aside His garments, picked up a towel, and performed the task none of His followers were willing to do.  On the way into the house, they all bypassed the bowl because they saw the washing of feet as something that was below them.

This act wasn’t just about clean feet; it was a demonstration of servant leadership. Jesus didn’t just speak about humility; He showed it. In ministry, we often focus on the roles that bring recognition, avoiding the humble tasks that reveal the true nature of our hearts.

Servanthood as the Core of Leadership

True spiritual leadership is marked not by titles or power but by service. The world’s standards of leadership often involve status, control, and recognition. Yet, Jesus flips this on its head: "If you want to be great, you must become the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

Leadership in the church isn’t about prestige or position; it’s about being willing to serve, even in the smallest and most menial tasks. It’s in these moments—when no one is watching or applauding—that our hearts and motives are tested. Do we grumble, or do we embrace the opportunity to serve as Christ did?

The Test of True Servanthood

A servant’s heart isn’t measured by what we say but by how we react when treated like a servant. Are we willing to step down from our pedestals and pick up the towel? Jesus’ example teaches us that the path to greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t through self-promotion but through humility and service.

All the other disciples by-passed the bowl and I am sure they all had excuses and justifications.  Most likely, their excuses would mirror the same sort of excuses we use these days to avoid servanthood.  Even though they all avoided it, Jesus served each of them.  Jesus knew their flaws.  Jesus even knew Peter’s upcoming denial.  Maybe even more confronting is that Jesus even knew of Judas’ betrayal.

Leadership Through Humility

As church leaders, the temptation could be to seek honour and avoid humility can be strong. But Jesus’ actions remind us that the true measure of leadership is found in how well we serve others. He didn’t shy away from the basin, and neither should we.

Humility, integrity, and generosity are the pillars of impactful ministry. The greatest leaders are those who are willing to perform the least glamorous tasks without complaint. They understand that their power and influence come from their willingness to serve.

Take Up the Towel

Jesus’ final act of servanthood set the tone for what ministry should be. It’s not about being served but serving others. If we desire to make a lasting impact, we must adopt this mindset. Whether it’s cleaning the church, helping others achieve their dreams, or addressing the needs no one else wants to handle, we follow Jesus best when we serve as He did.

In our journey as leaders, let us not avoid the basin. Instead, let us embrace it, knowing that in serving others, we are living out the heart of the Gospel and embodying the humility of Christ.