Denise VanEck - Step Up. Becoming the Leader God Made You to Be

Peter ate heartily as the conversation continued around him. Some were talking about the authoritative way that Jesus had overturned the trading tables in the court of the Gentiles. Others were making plans for the future now that the tide had turned for them.

Unnoticed in the midst of the hubbub, the Master rose and made his way out of the room. He reappeared several minutes later, his chest bare and a towel wrapped around his waist. Walking deliberately over to the corner, he poured fresh water into a clay basin. As Jesus picked up the basin, an abrupt silence fell upon the group.

Peter wondered what the Master was doing now. Jesus looked for all the world like a common servant. He knelt in front of Judas and motioned for him to place his foot in the basin. Judas looked terribly uncomfortable as the Master began to wash his feet. As the Master continued, Judas discomfort turned into agitation.

All eyes in the room were fixed on Jesus. What was this all about? The men watched Jesus pour a dipper of water over Judas feet and then tenderly wipe them dry with the towel he had wrapped around his waist. The Master carried the basin to the next person, John. As he bent down to wash Johns feet, he spoke lovingly: You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.

Peter was repelled by the scene. This was their Master, the one they were calling the new King of Israel, and he was on his knees washing their feet as if he were the lowliest servant in the household! There was no way he, Peter, would lower himself to do the job of a common servant.

Peter was next in line, and he could see it coming. But Peter wanted none of it. Embarrassment aside, it just wasnt right! No manleast of all a man with the importance of the Mastershould have to wash his followers feet. Thats what servants were for.

The master dried Johns feet and pushed the basin toward Peter. No, Peter said firmly, looking straight into the Masters eyes. You will never wash my feet.

Jesus looked up at Peters face. Gently and patiently he said, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

The room was quiet. Outside, the laughter of children could be heard. Peter sat stiffly. He knew he must be missing something. Then, slowly at first, past conversations came to Peters mind. The last shall be first. Except you become as a child. He who would be great among you must be your servant. Illumination began to flood Peter. This wasnt really about washing dirty feet. It was about humility, about taking the lesser path, even when glory was in sight. Now he understood what the Master was doing! Peter, if I do not wash your feet, you can have no part with me, the Master repeated.

Peters reply was barely audible to the others: Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well.

As Peter spoke, the resistance seemed to seep out of him. Peter sat quietly and allowed Jesus to minister to him while the other disciples watched in studied silence.

Finally, the Master was done. He rose to his feet, rubbing his back. Then he spoke to all the disciples: Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

from The Leadership Paradox by Denny Gunderson

Okay, youve heard the word, but what does it mean? Leadership is a term that defies description. According to John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, there are currently 350 working definitions of the word in current literature. Three hundred and fifty definitions! Still, most people say its a term they understand. But do we really? Lets play with this idea for a little while.