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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Even though he was Lord of all, Jesus was serving the disciples in a very humble way! He did this for a very specific reason—to be a model of the behavior he was calling his disciples to. He knew they would ultimately argue about who was greatest.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him (John 13:12-16).
Clearly Jesus modeled how he served, even as their teacher and Lord. They were to serve one another just as Jesus had just served them. Jesus was also a servant and messenger of God. He was not greater than the one who sent him.
Yesterday, I asked you consider if you are displaying lordship in your leadership or service. Obviously, you aren’t going to work washing people’s feet, unless you are a nail technician by profession! But what are ways you can model servant leadership to people around you at work? Again, it doesn’t matter if you hold a leadership title or not. You are a servant leader!
Some of descriptors of servant leadership we discussed include empowering others, letting others shine, acting with humility and authenticity, being held accountable, practicing stewardship and accepting the perspectives of others.
Jesus clearly saw the perspectives of others! He served them and didn’t care what other people said when he dined with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus was a model of seeing people where they were. How are you seeing others around you who may feel outcast? Are there people at work battling a hidden illness or disability? How can you help?
Are you humble? Colossians 3:12 tells us as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we are to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Humility is a modest or low view of your own importance. If you are a leader, do you feel more important than people around you? Extending kindness in good measure, along with patience to others is one way to show you know they are important!
How do you steward your time? Are you wasting it in gossip or viewing memes online when you should be coaching someone along?
Ask yourself how you are modeling servant leadership!
