DCLM Daily Manna 18 January 2022

TOPIC: A Second Look at Leadership

TEXT: JOHN 13:1-15

KEY VERSE: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (JOHN 13:15).

Leaders in the world, conventionally, crave recognition, respect and honour. They seek to be applauded for every little conduct. The promises they make and the work they do are all geared towards garnering popularity. To them, those they lead must remain grateful for their service.

Jesus Christ is different. He models a distinct type of leadership uncommon in the world. After dinner one day, He did something unusual. He took a towel and a bucket of water and washed the feet of His disciples.

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Probably baffled, none of the disciples questioned this strange action until Jesus got to Peter. He thought it was demeaning for His Master to wash his feet, a task usually reserved for servants in Jewish households. Jesus explained to him that except his feet were washed, he could not have a relationship with Him. Peter promptly pleaded that his whole body be washed. But Jesus assured him that it was sufficient to wash the feet. When He completed the task, Jesus reminded the disciples that while they rightly called Him Master, they should follow His example and wash one another’s feet.

The standard of leadership expected of believers is much higher than that practised in the world. His message was simple: the Christian leader’s task is to be of service to his people. He should not see himself as a master but as a servant. His activities must bring benefits to his people whose spiritual and temporal wellbeing must remain his preoccupation. Only then can he truly claim to be walking in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If we follow Christ’s footsteps, we’ll leave worthy footprints.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 9-10