Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.' From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." (Jn 13:16-20)
This passage is just after Jesus had washed the feet of the disciples. We too do the same foot washing as a ceremony. We play the role of a leader. Foot washing has become a sign of leadership. But when Jesus did it, it was the work of a slave. We are acting it out. We do it because Jesus has done it.
A truly Christ-like leader is the one who does the menial, annoying, messy things with ease and spontaneity. The works which a servant or a slave would do, will be don by a Christ-like leader. In stead we are like little princes in the kingdom of Jesus creating little spheres of influence, of power, and we enjoy exercising it.
What we ought to do is to look away from us and look into the world which we are supposed to be serving. We should be where the world needs us; ready even to take up insignificant roles.
