John 13 | Leading From Security

Every great leader is a humble servant. But this humility comes from a source that is deeper than most realize.

HUMBLE SERVANTHOOD

One of the great leadership passages in the Bible is the true account of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet right before the Cross. Notice how Jesus was training his disciples to be servant-leaders.

“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. (John 13:13-15)

In the landmark business book, "Good to Great," Jim Collins and his team did a 20-year study on how good companies became great companies. They identified five primary, undeniable characteristics that were true of each business they studied. And the first was a humble servant-leader who possessed an unswerving devotion to the mission.

SECURITY THAT LEADS TO SERVANTHOOD

But it is vital to see the foundation for such humility. One key sentence explains the security that leads to humble servanthood.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and *laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. (John 13:3-4)

Jesus knew something that many leaders never learn. Jesus knew that ...

The Father had given all things to him
He had come from God
He was going back to God

Why did this make such a difference?

HUMBLE CHRISTIAN LEADERS KNOW THEIR POSSESSIONS ARE SECURE

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands ... (vs. 3)

If you know that you have all you need, you are not searching or grasping for anything. Many leaders, even Christian leaders, do not understand their position in Christ. They don't understand like Paul that, as a child of the King, they can "have nothing, yet possess everything."

If you don't know this, you spend your life trying to get more. More money, more position, more prestige, more reputation. An insecure leader is driven by this. He is not about to wash the feet of others for fear it will damage his rise to the top. He wants others to serve him and his purposes.

HUMBLE CHRISTIAN LEADERS KNOW THEIR POSITION IS SECURE

Jesus, knowing ... that He had come forth from God and was going back to God (vs. 3)

Jesus didn’t have to jockey for position. He knew where He came from and where He was going and that His position was secure, and He had all He needed with the Father. Our position is secure too! But we often don’t realize it. If you want a thumbnail picture of your position in Christ, read Ephesians 1:3-14 or Romans 8. We’re in good shape if we know Christ!

All of this leads us to relax and leave our pride at the door. Humbly serve others like Christ. You need nothing!

Father, thank You for the consistent model to us of Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for your humility that led to perfect servanthood. Show us who to gladly serve and honor today, resting in our secure position in You.