The evening was calm, yet the weight of what was to come lingered in the air. Jesus, fully aware that His time on earth was drawing to a close, sat with His disciples, sharing one last meal before the Passover. Though the tension of betrayal hung heavy, Jesus’ heart was focused on love—love for His own, even to the very end.

As the meal progressed, Jesus rose, removed His outer garment, and wrapped a towel around His waist. His disciples watched in confusion as He knelt before each of them, pouring water into a basin and washing their feet. When He reached Peter, the disciple recoiled, refusing to let his Master perform such a humble task. But Jesus gently explained, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

When He was done, Jesus returned to His place and spoke with deep sincerity. “Do you understand what I have done for you? If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” With these words, Jesus showed His followers that true leadership is found in humble service, a lesson that would forever shape their lives.

This powerful story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet offers a few key leadership lessons:

1. Servant Leadership: Jesus, the leader and teacher, took on the humblest task, washing the feet of His followers. This act demonstrates that true leadership isn’t about status or authority but serving others. Great leaders lead by example, willing to do the work no matter how small or menial.
2. Humility in Leadership: Jesus, fully aware of His divine power and authority, chose humility. He showed that even those in positions of great influence should embrace humility, understanding that leadership is not about self-exaltation but the good of others.
3. Leading with Love: Jesus’ actions were motivated by love for His disciples. Leaders who genuinely care for their team build trust and foster loyalty. Compassionate leadership creates a strong, supportive environment.
4. Empowering Others: By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus set an example and empowered them to do the same for others. Great leaders inspire and equip those they lead to serve, grow, and take on responsibility themselves.
5. Consistency in Integrity: Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus washed his feet too. This shows that true leadership doesn’t discriminate or act out of favoritism but maintains integrity and fairness, even in difficult situations.

The world around us defines leadership in terms of someone’s personality, popularity, items on a resume, or simply by job title. However, God’s definition of leadership is applicable in any organization. Wouldn’t you rather work for someone who empowers you instead of shuts you down? Or someone who gives praise to the team instead of taking all the credit themselves?

If you’re tempted to think you’re all that and a bag of potato chips because of a job title, you’re missing the joy, responsibility and opportunity being a leader gives you. Let us all be encouraged to pick up our towels, put in the elbow grease, and get to work serving the people around us no matter where we sit in the workplace hierarchy.