We live and work in a competitive society. We admire people who are rich, famous and powerful. There is enormous pressure to climb the ladder of success.

 

We seem to be on an endless quest for the spotlight.

 

John 13:1-2
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of his love. 2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

 

John 13:3
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God…

 

John 13:4
…He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

 

John 13:5
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

 

Jesus, on His own, assumed the role of a servant. He put a towel around his waist, poured water into a big bowl and began to walk around the table, carefully and gently washing each of His disciple’s feet. The greatest of all became the servant of all.

 

John 3:12-14
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. 13“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed myour feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

 

John 3:15-17
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

 

What is the modern day equivalent of foot washing? It’s others first, me last – serving others instead of expecting to be served yourself.

 

Servant leadership is a daily decision.

 

John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

 

John 13:34
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

 

Our love for each other is the evidence we are followers of Jesus.

 

The primary teaching of Jesus at the Last Supper was “Opt out of the race for power, status and position. Instead, serve and love each other.”