Holy Thursday: Serve Like Jesus

By:  Angela Lee Price

On Holy Thursday, the day before Jesus was crucified, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (John 13). He does this just before the Passover Celebration. It was the very night that Jesus instituted the ordinance of the Lord's Supper at the Passover Meal. There, He gave an object-lesson on servant-leadership and humility. Scripture says he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and pour water in a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet and wipe them with his towel (vs. 4-5). In verses 14-17 He says, “And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor or messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things-now do them! That is the path to blessing” (NLT).

If we are going to lead like Jesus, preach like Jesus, teach like Jesus, and love like Jesus, we must begin by serving like Jesus. Jesus was the perfect servant-leader. The Scriptures tell us that being a true servant-leader is how one receives the abundant blessing that so many people magically claim nowadays, only there is nothing magical about servant-leadership. It takes hard work, compassion, and commitment.  Matthew 20:28 states, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (NIV)."

Here is what God does for the humble servant-leader:

1. God gives joy to the humble servant.  "The humble will see their God at work and be glad.  Let all who seek God's help live in joy. Psalm 69:32.
2. God rescues the humble servant.  "You rescue those who are humble."  Psalm 18:27
3. God takes care of the humble servant.  "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud."  Palm 138:6.
4. God supports the humble servant.  "The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust."  Psalm 147:6.
5. God fills the humble servant with fresh joy.  "The humble will be filled wsith fresh joy from the Lord.  Those who are poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel."  Isaiah 29:29.

Here is a promise from God:
"Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."  Matthew 23:12

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