Servant Leadership: continue There are various aspects of the leadership styles of Jesus we can consider from biblical perspective. Jesus had to model His leadership: 1. Leader as a Servant Jesus classic scripture on servant hood spells out the three symbols or tools of a servant: the basin, water and towel. “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (John 13:3-5). Knowledge of the Father gives strength and confidence to do exploits (Daniel 11:32); and also to condescend and do any menial job or task (John 13:3). The leadership of Jesus was secure: He knew where He came from and where He was going; therefore, nothing He did would change His destiny. Secure leadership knows how to empower and delegate others. Three symbols of the servant that Jesus used were the basin, the water and the towel. The Lord Jesus used this passage to demonstrate His servant leadership. a. Introduction to the Washing of the Feet Concept ‘Washing of feet’ was a common practice among the people in the mid-orient. Servants were assigned to wash the feet of others. It was considered a menial job. The servant was to stoop or condescend in order to gain access to the people. It was not reserved for ‘masters’ or ‘dignified people’ to wash the feet of others. Jesus’ decision came as a shock to the disciples, especially to Peter. What is interesting about this passage is that Jesus chose to wash the disciples’ feet ‘after supper was ended.’ This brings a twist to the whole ceremony! Servants usually washed the feet of their guests before they entered the house in order to get rid of any dust, dirt or mess their sandals or feet might have captured along the road. If Jesus’ washing was after they had entered and had supper, then it was more symbolic than a normal affair. In particular, Jesus used this occasion to teach them about His servant leadership style. Jesus confirmed this when He said: “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28) b. The Symbol of Basin The basin was the container in which every dirt was collected. It could represent a location, a place or a center where people meet for their sins or dirt to be cleansed. A servant must have a container to take care of others’ burdens, dirt and sins. God loves the sinner; but God hates sin. c. The Symbol of Water The water is the cleansing agent. It has the ability to remove the dirt and make the person clean. The amount of water the servant has will determine how many feet he can wash. The Bible declares “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27). The water represents ‘the water of the word’ which brings cleansing. Jesus had water ready to wash the feet of the disciples. When the leader does not have sufficient water it affects how many feet can be cleansed. Some leaders are forced to ration the water so that, at least, everyone gets cleansed. Unfortunately, with this kind of rationing strategy, the leader washes one foot and leaves the other foot unwashed. The one foot washed is in the church and the other unwashed foot is still in the world. This creates carnality in the people. d. The Symbol of Towel The towel of the servant was very significant. It was the towel of confidentiality. The towel was designed to wipe the wet water on their feet. When the leader washes the dirt from the feet, everyone who sees the wet feet will conclude that these feet have just been washed. For this purpose, the servant had the towel. It was a towel of confidentiality! The servant would wipe their feet and nobody was able to recognize that they even had dirt on their feet. A leader without a towel of confidentiality shares many secrets and reveals the sins of others. Servant leadership is that of love which covers a multitude of sins. The servant leader uses effectively his towel of confidentiality. When the disciples come out others testify, “Behold, how beautiful are the feet of those that carry the good news,” without knowing that these beautiful feet had just been washed by the water of the word. Every leader who exemplifies the leadership style of Jesus must have the towel of confidentiality.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 11:14:48 +0000
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