Jesus humbled himself and washed his disciples feet. Jesus, God of the universe, Son of God, King of Kings, Prince of peace, savior of the world, washed the disciples’ nasty, grimy, filthy feet. He even washed Judas’ feet, knowing Judas would betray Him.

Jesus said, “I have done this to set an example for you.” Now, I don’t think, or at least I hope (because feet are disgusting) that Jesus didn’t mean we had to literally wash one another’s feet. But I do think He was calling us to humbly love one another, to sacrificially serve one another, to build one another up, to encourage each other, even those who would betray and hurt us. I think He was calling us to sometime lay down our own agenda and submit to another’s vision.

This is the trait of a good leader. This is the heart of a true leader. We see this heart in Moses and David. I see it in my pastor. But I’m praying and asking Gd to give me the heart of a leader.

Teach me to humbly love, serve sacrificially, build up others, encourage one another, even those who would betray me. Teach me to lay down my agenda for someone else. Teach me to be a servant leader. And let me do it with a happy heart.

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. (John 13:12-17 NLT)