“I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15
Ever remember a parent saying “do as I say, not as I do...”? The phrase was originally coined in 1654 by John Selden an English scholar of ancient Jewish law. It is based on a Bible verse when Jesus warned His followers not to follow the Pharisees as role models “for they do not practice what they preach” (Matthew 23:1-3).
Servant leadership is a phrase with deep meaning, but unfortunately organizations and leaders overuse it seeking to motivate others that their needs will be put first and foremost. At a recent conference I heard Randy Gravitt impart a meaning of servant leadership based on Jesus the “righteous servant” (Isaiah 53:11). He encouraged us to “love first” and “live last”.
As Jesus prepared to have His last supper with his closest friends, He knew His final hour was approaching fast. Betrayal, violent beatings and a brutal death would replace joy and fellowship with followers. Jesus didn’t recline and let others serve Him wine, fresh bread and seasoned lamb. He got up, removed His robe, secured a water basin, tied a towel around His waist and prepared to teach the disciples one last lesson of humility and grace.
Can you imagine the disciples’ facial expressions and whispers of wonderment as Jesus approached Peter, the always assertive “rock”? We might think of Jesus dabbing a wet towel over their weary and dusty feet. But now envision their cracked, blistered feet, filthy and caked with dust and probably some dung from their travels in the fields and overcrowded city streets filled with garbage and sheep.
Yet, the Good Shepherd knelt before each disciple, lovingly locked into their eyes and began to scrub their arches and in between toes knowing that this display was meant to cleanse their souls. When Peter protested that Jesus had no right to wash his feet, Jesus assured him that “if I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8).
Here was GOD in flesh, the Creator of the universe who knew these disciples (and us) before they were born (Psalm 139:13) cleansing not only their feet but leaving them the ultimate example of serving others. The Franciscan Rule (1221), states that friars "should preach by their deeds" - meaning their actions should match their message. We don’t have to wash feet to serve. Jesus just wants us to put others first before our agenda every day as we follow Him.
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