Serving as We Lead: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

In what may seem at first glance, a simple kindness, Jesus washing His disciples feet was a powerful lesson. He was deliberately taking on the position of a servant, washing away the grime and filth of the streets. At one point, Peter protested, saying, “You shall never wash my feet.”  Jesus replied, “Unless, I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8).

Jesus’ leadership lesson here is that leaders are the servants of those around them, not their masters. He said, “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16). We must approach those we lead with humility and empathy, help them find comfort and dignity, regardless of how dirty, neglected or misguided they might appear. Every person has “dirt” in their lives. We all have made mistakes, hurt others and allowed our pride, anger or greed to lead us away from who God created us to be. We should not hold ourselves up on a pedestal just because we have learned from these mistakes. Rather, we should put ourselves face to face with those who are in the messiest, darkest and most desperate parts of their journey and serve them the best we can. 

Our world is currently fixated on the “dirt” of other people. Social media is full of accusations, pointing out the faults and mistakes of others, mistrusting intentions and ignoring apologies. There is, of course, a time and place to call out others for their mistakes, but approaching their actions with judgment and condemnation just drives them away. Helping others to see and acknowledge their faults is an essential part of learning to be better, but we should remember that we are far from perfect. As leaders, we should come to them with empathy and a humble heart, offering a safe place for a person to reflect on their actions, and guidance to help them clean up their mess. 

Our engagement with others isn’t to cover or to conceal transactions, but to help them to be clean. It is about transformation. A person washing feet doesn’t waste time telling the person they are washing, “Your feet are dirty.” They already know they are dirty; that is why they are there. We are there to aid God’s work in healing them. 

Our engagement here is to partner with Jesus, the one who cleanses us from our sin. See 1 John 1:7 

A reminder: This is not to say we should turn a blind eye to the wrongs around us. Mentors, supervisors and coaches in professional capacities are bound by the laws of our locations. Consider what to do when someone is in danger or being harmed. What is my responsibility in making it safe? 

The power of grace and empathy is transformative. Love goes much further than judgment. It is not our place to judge others. As Jesus was washing the feet of his disciples, he reminded them to do the same to others. He calls us to serve with love. 

1 Peter 4:8 (NLT): Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 

Reflection: 

• How do I approach the mistakes of others? 
• When was the last time I made a crucial mistake, and how was I treated? 
• Do I let someone wash my feet?
• In what ways can I “wash the feet” of the people around me? 

What’s Next?

• Who can I have a confidential conversation with to help me be clean?