Serving Others in Humility
Jesus modeled servant leadership by washing disciples' feet, calling us to similar humility.
Jesus, Lord and Teacher, took the servant's role and washed his disciples' feet, then said, 'I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.' This reversal of status—the master serving the servants—defines Christian leadership and relationship. Greatness in God's kingdom is measured by service, not position. This teaching challenges all hierarchies based on power and calls for mutual service. Foot-washing was the lowest slave's job, and John notes Jesus did it knowing “the Father had put all things under his power” (13:3).
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Robert Greenleaf's 'Servant Leadership' drew on this teaching to transform modern leadership theory toward serving rather than being served.
Gospel of John
Written about in
- What Christianity says about humility
Jesus washes his disciples' feet and then tells them to do the same for one another. Status is not merely discouraged here; it is inverted by the person who holds it.