The Demonstration of Leadership (John 13)
Category : Blogpost
John 13 turns the teaching on leadership into a living parable. John tells us that Jesus knew the Father had put all things under his power. He knew where he came from and where he was going. He had nothing to prove. Moreover, precisely because of that confidence, he does the unthinkable: he gets up from the table, wraps a towel around his waist, and washes the disciples’ feet.
This is a man completely secure in his identity. He does not need to protect his reputation or assert his status. He knows who he is, so he can take the lowest position without losing anything. In fact, his willingness to serve is the ultimate proof of his authority.
Peter objects, but Jesus insists. Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. The washing is necessary. However, Jesus then adds: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
This is not a suggestion. It is a command. Every leader who follows Jesus is called to wash feet, literally and figuratively. That means doing the hidden, unglamorous, messy work that helps others grow and flourish. It means taking the blame when things go wrong and giving away the credit when things go right. It means being the first to apologize and the last to demand recognition.
Let us be honest: servant leadership sounds wonderful in theory and feels impossible in practice. Why? Because we are constantly tempted to use leadership for our own benefit. Power corrupts, as the saying goes, and even those of us with very little power are tempted to hold onto it tightly.
The world reinforces this. We celebrate CEOs, celebrities, and politicians who project strength and confidence. We reward leaders who get results, regardless of how they treat people. We promote those who are good at self-promotion. The system is designed to produce the kind of leaders Jesus condemns.
However, here is the liberating truth: servant leadership is not about becoming a doormat. It is not about letting people walk all over you. It is about redefining what strength looks like. The strongest leader is the one who can afford to be humble, because their identity is secure. Their authority does not come from a title—it comes from character and love.
Stay tuned!