Today’s story from the book of John is all about how to be a servant leader. Have you ever heard of that? A leader who is also a servant? That’s who Jesus is and who He wants us to be.
One day, right before Jesus went to the cross, He had dinner with His friends, the disciples. After they ate, Jesus put a towel around His waist and started to wash His disciples’ feet. They were so surprised because usually only the servants did that! One disciple, Simon Peter, told Jesus that he didn’t want Him to wash his feet- he thought that Jesus was too important to do that job. But Jesus reminded Simon Peter that to be a good leader, you also have to serve others. Jesus told the disciples that He wanted them to follow His example and serve other people. He knew that He was about to have to go back to Heaven, so He wanted the disciples to keep serving other people even after He was gone.
Jesus wants us to follow His example, too. Even though we don’t have to actually wash somebody’s feet, He wants us to help others even when we have the opportunity. Helping others might not always be easy or fun, but we should serve and love them because Jesus serves and loves us. When you serve others, you are being the hands and feet of Jesus and showing others how much He loves them! Always put other people first, and you will be a leader like Jesus.
How can you serve someone else this week?
Is there something you don’t normally do that you can offer to help with?
What are some ways that you can show others the love of Jesus this week?
Prayer: God, thank You so much for loving us and serving us. I am so glad that Jesus is a good example of how to be a servant AND a leader. I want to show others how to know, love, and follow You just like Jesus did. Please teach me how to put others first and love them because You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.