Read: John 13:1–17
Jesus’ disciples had been following him for three years. They had seen his miracles, heard his teaching, and watched as crowds followed him. By this point, they knew he was someone powerful, someone different.
And yet, in the final moments before his betrayal, Jesus didn’t perform one last miracle or give a bold farewell speech. He grabbed a towel, knelt down, and began to wash their feet.
This wasn’t just a kind gesture. In that culture, foot washing was reserved for the lowest servant. It was dirty, uncomfortable work. But Jesus didn’t hesitate. He knew who he was, and because of that, he was free to serve without protecting his pride.
Peter resisted at first—maybe out of discomfort or shame—but Jesus made it clear: “if you want to be part of me, you need to let me serve you.”
Then, he turned it around: “Now go and do the same.”
We don’t always love that part. We’d rather be admired for our strength than known for our humility. But following Jesus means letting him wash the dirt off our hearts, and then picking up the towel ourselves.
It’s not flashy. It’s not always convenient. But it’s how the Kingdom moves, one act of selfless love at a time.
Are you letting Jesus serve you in the ways you need it most? Who around you needs to be served—not with words, but with quiet, practical love?
True leadership starts on the ground, not on a platform. If Jesus knelt, so should we. And if he served us, we’re called to do the same for others.