The Humble Shepherd

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 13:1-17

 

John 13:16-17

Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

(NKJV)

 

The idea of servant leadership was first taught by Jesus in response to a disagreement that arose among the disciples about who would be the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). In this passage, Jesus illustrates the concept of a leader who serves by taking on the role of a lowly servant by washing the disciples' feet. The next day, Jesus would dramatically demonstrate his servant leadership by willingly taking on the sins of humanity even though He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). The mission of the Church is not the enforcer of a moral code upon the world, but servants of Christ pointing people to Jesus as savior. The Church must be Gospel centered.

 

It is before the Feast of the Passover and Jesus knows His hour has come when He will go to the Father after loving His own until the very end (John 13:1). The supper ends with Satan already placing the betrayal of Jesus in the heart of Judas Iscariot (John 13:2). Jesus with full knowledge of where He came from and that God the Father has given Him all things arises and lays aside his garments, putting on a towel (John 13:3-4). Jesus then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, but when he came to Peter, Peter asked Him if He was going to wash his feet (John 13:5-6).

 

Jesus answer to Peter was that while he did not understand what was happening now, he would afterwards (John 13:7). Peter then tells Jesus he shall never wash his feet to which Jesus says, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8). Peter then tells Jesus to wash not only his feet but also his hands and head (John 13:9). Jesus tells Peter that he is completely clean and only needs to wash his feet but adds that not all of the disciples are clean because He knew Judas would betray Him (John 13:10-11).

 

After finishing the washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus put on His garments and asked if they knew what He had done to them (John 13:12). Jesus tells them it is well that they call Him Teacher and Lord because He is (John 13:13). He then tells them that if their Teacher and Lord has washed their feet, they should wash each other’s feet (John 13:14). Jesus explains the foot washing as an example to follow, telling them that a servant is not greater than his master nor is one sent greater than the one sending him (John 13:15-16). Jesus concludes by telling them that if they know and do these things, they are blessed (John 13:17).

 

The disciples had lived their entire lives under Roman leadership and the religious oppression of the Pharisees. Their picture of leadership was a leader having lordship and authority over others, expecting people to serve them. By washing the disciples' feet, Jesus is providing an example of leadership that serves those being led, something He would demonstrate by dying on the cross for their sins. Jesus then challenges the disciples to do as He has done by not lording over others like the Pharisees did as religious leaders, but to instead serve those God will place in their care (John 13:15-17).

 

Jesus is our provider (Genesis 22:8), our healer (Exodus 15:26), and savior (Matthew 1:2) because of his grace. However, we must be careful not to abuse the grace of God by believing God must provide everything we want. Such is the deceptive gospel preached in many churches as a means of attracting many members and contributors. This teaching enriches the teacher and leader of the church, but when those under this teaching do not receive the fancy car, house, and riches they believe they are entitled to, they can turn their back on God. Jesus is not our genie, granting us every wish, but our Lord and Savior who came not to condemn us but to give us eternal life (John 3:16-17). For this, we must be eternally grateful, even if the Lord does not provide anything else.

 

If you are reading this post and have either never prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior or have turned your back on God because of deceptive teaching, I encourage you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I now encourage those who prayed to find a local church teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Bible as servants of the congregation and not in a manner to enrich themselves. I then encourage you to imitate Jesus by serving others through sharing the Good News that Jesus came to die for their sins and give them eternal life. May God challenge, convict, and empower everyone reading this post.