The Servant King

A true king was supposed to be honored, not humiliated. No earthly ruler would ever kneel before his servants, exposing himself to the grime and stench of their unwashed feet. Yet this King was different. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the Last Supper, laid aside His garments, and stooped low to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13:5, 12–15). The task normally belonged to the lowest household servant, but the Lord of glory made Himself the servant of all.

Jesus knew what so many earthly leaders forget—that the best leaders lead by example. He showed that greatness is not measured by power, but by humility. Even today, the most respected bosses and CEOs are often those who started at the bottom, sweeping floors, scrubbing toilets, or working long hours in thankless jobs. People remember leaders who serve, because good service is a mark of good character.

That night in the upper room, Jesus reminded His followers that they were called to do the same. The men whose feet He washed would go on to give their lives for the gospel, and the memory of the Servant King would never leave them. His message to them was plain: “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

If you want to be an example of a believer, simply serve those who need serving, regardless of rank or “importance”. When you stoop to serve (especially “the least”), you are serving the greatest—King Jesus Himself.