John 13:13-17 NIV
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
The ways Jesus taught his disciples were not only by talking, but also with action, with demonstration. Jesus was their teacher and Lord. He served them, he washed their feet. This unusual action shocked his disciples. “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (John 13:8-9 NIV) Jesus’ action was an act of care and service. It’s not an hierarchy but a relationship. Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that the status of teacher or leader did not change. The lifestyle of humble and gentle, have a heart to serve and to care, these are good examples to others. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
In many ways, we are leaders, we can influence people. We should be alert and sober on how we live and how we react. People are watching, they will copy. When we are humble and gentle, we do not count wrongs of others, we are willing to serve others, we are forgiving and not narrow minded, we are joyful. People will learn and follow. It would be easier for people to understand about Jesus Christ, if we live out the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not only benefit to the people, we are blessed as well. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”