“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:3-5).

The world evaluates people’s performances by how many people serve them. Jesus demonstrated that God measures leadership differently. He looks at how many people we are serving. Jesus had the ultimate commitment to serving others and this Scripture gives part of the reason He was able to do that. He was secure in who He was and in what He came to do.

Luke described what Jesus’ disciples were thinking as they gathered for this Passover meal. “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest” (Luke 22:24). While they were discussing who was the greatest Jesus demonstrated what greatness looks like.

Warren Wiersbe, a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, captured the meaning of this moment. “It was not that He forgot He was God and so humbled Himself. It was because He was God and wished to act as God that He did it.”

Insecure people don’t serve well. They are driven to protect their own sense of self-importance and find it difficult to acknowledge the gifts and talents of others. When we know who we are and are confident in what we are here to do it makes it easier to serve others. Jesus proved that and we as His followers represent Him best when we reflect His humility and willingness to serve others.