Discipleship Devotional, January 19th, 2025
“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.”
– John 13:13-15 (NIV)
In Jesus’ time, washing feet was a task reserved for the lowest servants. It was not considered a religious act but a humble duty. This is why Peter reacted in shock when Jesus stooped to wash his feet. Yet Jesus, in His countercultural way, chose to do it as a powerful example of humility and servant leadership.
Jesus consistently challenged the prideful and hierarchical norms of society, introducing a new paradigm for leadership. By washing the disciples’ feet, He demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in humility and service. He wasn’t instituting a religious ritual but rather teaching His disciples—and us—how to live: serving others with humility, not seeking to dominate or control.
For us today, the literal act of washing someone’s feet is secondary to the heart of the message. Whether or not we physically wash someone’s feet, the key lesson is clear: we are called to humbly serve one another.
Unfortunately, some now practice foot washing as a mere religious routine, forgetting the essence of Jesus’ teaching. It is possible to go through the motions of humility outwardly while inwardly clinging to pride and a desire to lord over others. But Jesus’ words remind us of the true heart of servant leadership:
“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
– Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)
The call to humility and service remains timeless. Leadership in the kingdom of God is not about status or power but about serving others with a Christ-like heart.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for exemplifying servant leadership and teaching us what it means to truly serve one another. Help me to embrace humility and a heart of service in everything I do. Amen.
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