Sometimes we can read a passage of scripture, and it doesn’t initially make sense. We may feel like we can glean what we need from it at the time, but the deeper implications are lost on us, perhaps because we need more knowledge of the Bible or a better understanding of the context.
Readers often struggle to understand the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. In this story, Jesus and His disciples are enjoying a meal together that we would later call “The Last Supper.” This meal was meant to symbolize the approaching death of Jesus and encourages us to forge unity among believers. After this meal, Jesus takes the posture of the lowest of all servants, and washes the feet of those He was leading.
In those days, feet represented vulnerability and that which we hide. Whether a traveler wore sandals or went mostly barefoot, you can imagine the things they would step in and walk through. It was uncomfortable to say the least.
When Jesus bends down to wash feet, the discomfort is palpable. Who was going to be the first one to sit down? Certainly no one would do so enthusiastically because that would send a message that they were okay with Jesus being looked at as a discarded servant. Jesus, however, willingly takes on this role.
Jesus knew that in order for His disciples to be effective, they had to let Him into the most vulnerable places in their lives.
In the same way, as we do the necessary tasks we are called to at work, we will be even more effective when we have surrendered our whole self to Jesus. If we are surrendered, then, by default we become servants of the King. If we are servants, then our interactions with others we work with become just as much a part of our mission as anything else we do.
This applies to us whether we are entry-level or in a leadership position. We first recognize that all are created in His image, and in our work, we are partners. Transformation is our shared mission. Treating the people we work with as Jesus would want us to treat them requires vulnerability. This is why being a great leader is directly connected with being a great servant.
Look at this as an example of how to lead and work. If Jesus takes control, your work will prosper.
IWU is committed to practicing servant leadership and developing Christ-like qualities in all of our students and faculty. If you'd like to be a part of a Christ-centered community of learners, check out our programs page here.