Serve Like a King

John 13:1-17

John 13:1–17 ESV

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Jesus in this passage exemplifies true leadership and humility by washing his disciples feet.

Jesus has all authority on Heaven on Earth

2. Serving with sacred humility

His divine authority and imminent return to the Father, chose to serve His disciples in an unexpected and humble manner. This act of washing their feet subverts conventional ideas of power and authority. It can suggest to the audience to question their understanding of leadership—does it seek self-service or actively serve others? Encourage them to embrace servant leadership as Jesus did, reflecting His kingdom's values of humility and love.

3. Submitting to sacred grace

You could emphasize Peter's confusion and resistance to Jesus washing his feet, illustrating our struggle to accept humble service and the grace offered by Christ. Discuss how this reflects our need for spiritual cleansing by Jesus and how accepting His service transforms us. Encourage listeners to embrace the grace and cleansing Christ offers through His ultimate service on the cross, and to let it inspire them to serve others despite misunderstandings or resistance.

4. Stepping into Servant Leadership

Maybe focus on Jesus' explanation and command in these verses: if He, the Lord and Teacher, washes feet, so should His followers. This mandates a mission for every believer to lead through service. Suggest to your audience that serving others isn't just an act of kindness but a divine calling that signifies true greatness. Reinforce that their acts of service, rooted in love and humility, mirror Christ's heart and fulfill His kingdom ethics.