I’m still pondering Jesus’ last week before his execution. That week was crucially important to his followers. A huge chunk of the Gospels detail that one week. Events leading to his birth take a little space, his 2-1/2 year ministry about half, the last week something like 40 percent, and the 40 days he was with them after his resurrection is barely detailed (none at all in Mark).
John, probably the Gospel that can be traced to Jesus’ inner circle, does not talk about the Passover Meal in detail. He is the only one to talk about the foot washing. Obviously that was significant.
There they were. Still thinking that Jesus was going to be King of Israel, kicking the Romans out. Only a few days before, they had entered Jerusalem as potential conquerors. They were celebrated the high holy days of Passover. Emotions had to be high and optimistic. When and how was Jesus going to reveal his true destiny as King?
Then, at dinner, Jesus removed his outer garment, and like a slave or servant, prepared to wash the disciples’ feet. Now, wait just a second there, partner. This is not the work of a King. This is not the work of the disciples or any Hebrew man. Servants do this dirty work.
They still don’t know what’s up. Peter says that no way he’s going to let a King wash his feet. Kings don’t do that. But Jesus says, “If I don’t wash your feet, then you won’t have any place in my kingdom.” So Peter says, in effect, then wash all of me.
It had to be difficult. When you have one thing in your head, it’s hard to grasp the opposite. Happens to us. All the time. They had one vision of King in their heads. They just couldn’t grasp a different view.
Jesus was showing a new kind of king. A new kind of leader. It wasn’t about power. It was about serving.
As Bill Hybels, sr. pastor of Willow Creek Community Church asked in his Easter message–imagine if all the politicians in America would put aside their petty squabbling and power struggles and truly serve American people; imagine if business leaders put aside their power and truly served their people; imagine if husbands and wives put aside their agendas and truly served each other.
It has been 20 years shy of 2,000 years since Jesus showed a new kind of leadership by voluntarily allowing himself to be executed. Yet, humans still have a problem understanding servant leadership.
Try imagining a new world.
Faith Venture 
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