Jesus Was a Servant First
Modeling Our Mission After the Messiah
The First Step: Servants of the King
Jesus Was a Servant First
Modeling Our Mission After the Messiah
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When Power Takes a Knee
Leadership in the world demands attention, control, and applause. But Jesus led by taking a towel. He didn’t assert His power—He knelt in humility. And He didn’t just do it once. His entire life was shaped by service.
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)
📝 Jesus didn’t come to be impressive. He came to be poured out.
The Trap of Position Over Posture
We crave importance. Even in ministry, it’s easy to chase platforms instead of people. We want to be known, followed, or praised—even if we mask it behind the language of “calling.”
But Jesus confronted that mindset head-on. When His disciples argued over who was the greatest, He didn’t rebuke their ambition—He redefined it.
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (ESV)
📝 Jesus didn’t lower the standard—He lived it. He made servanthood the mark of greatness.
The Towel That Taught the Kingdom
One of Jesus’ most profound teachings came without a word—just a basin and a towel.
4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (ESV)
This wasn’t symbolic. It was scandalous. The King of Heaven washed dirt off the feet of men who would soon abandon Him. He didn’t serve because they deserved it. He served because love compelled Him.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV)
📝 We don’t serve to prove our worth—we serve to reflect His.
Servanthood Is Not a Step Down
When you kneel to serve, you don’t shrink—you rise into your true identity. We were created to mirror Christ, and Christ came with a towel in His hand. The world might see that as weakness, but Heaven sees it as power rightly placed.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (ESV)
📝 Serving is not what we do when we can’t lead—it’s what qualifies us to lead like Jesus.
Following the Only One Worth Following
When we walk the road Jesus walked, we walk low. But we also walk free. Free from comparison. Free from entitlement. Free from needing recognition. Because our reward isn’t applause—it’s intimacy with the King.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (ESV)
📝 The more we serve like Jesus, the more we live like sons and daughters of the Kingdom.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t serve as a performance. He served because it was in His nature. If the hands that formed the universe could wash feet, then nothing He asks of us is too low. Real greatness doesn’t shine from stages—it’s poured out in quiet, obedient moments that mirror Christ.
So don’t run from the towel. Pick it up. That’s where transformation begins.
Ask Yourself:
Do I crave visibility more than Christlikeness?
Have I avoided certain tasks because they feel too small or thankless?
What would change if I saw every act of service as a chance to reflect Jesus?
Join the Discussion:
What’s one way you’re learning to lead by serving?
#TheWholyChristian #TheServingChristian #TheFirstStep #ServantsOfTheKing #JesusTheServant #ChristlikeLiving #FollowHisExample