ESOCS Devotional 18 July 2022
TEXT: JOHN 13:2-11
MEMORY VERSE: “After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:5 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In John 13, the Savior of the world exhibited that He was also the greatest Servant of all times.
Leaders are motivated by love to serve others (John 13:1–2). Jesus’ love was undeserved, unending, unconditional and unselfish. It was not the worthiness or the merits of the disciples that drove Jesus to serve them. He wasn’t expressing gratitude, but grace. Love made Him serve His disciples. Think about it: Jesus even washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray him and have him killed the next day.
Leaders possess a security that allows them to serve others (John 13:3). Jesus knew who He was, and He was secure enough to get down on the floor and wash His disciples’ feet. He didn’t have to prove anything. In fact, He had nothing to prove, nothing to lose and nothing to hide. Jesus’ security enabled Him to both stoop and stretch.
Leaders initiate servant leadership to others (John 13:4–5). Jesus didn’t wait for someone to clarify protocol. He saw a need and met it. No one else had volunteered for the foot-washing job that night—so Jesus made an object lesson out of the event. He started something that He hoped would be passed down from those twelve disciples to others (see John 13:12–15). Foot washing will never be in vogue. It will be done by leaders who are willing to pioneer an act of humility and sacrifice.
When leaders serve, they add value to the people who receive their service. This value might be as simple as feeling worthwhile or special. It could be that the value is a resource we put in people’s hands or a word of encouragement we speak to them. Whatever it is, people always receive something and feel better about themselves because of their leader.
- Look for a need and take initiative and perform small acts anonymously
- Father, teach me to be a leader by example.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Numbers 13:7–33; Ezekiel 2:3–3:11; 1 Timothy 5:1–16
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ESOCS Devotional 18 July 2022
