8th April 2011

John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes His Disciples Feet

• “A trait of a great leader””
• In this famous story Jesus serves His disciples with what is commonly thought to be an act that the lowest servant in the house would be required to do.
• What caught my eye in my studies today was the translation of one commentary and is take on the first verse.
• “He loved them to the end”
• I like this because it is particularly helpful for leaders.
• Great leaders are hurt but keep on loving.
• Great parents are hurt but keep on loving.
• It is a trait of a great leader.
• After leading people for years it can sometimes take a toll on your heart and mind.
• Our hearts can become a little hardened as we seek to protect them from another betrayal or disappointment.
• Over familiarity can set in and those a leader leads can begin to take the relationship for granted.
• We can spend all our resources on them and begin to withdraw them - yesterday I ripped the main sail of my Sailing Course leader in high winds - he didn't bat an eye!
• This is true if all leadership form parenting to presidents.
• Jesus loved His disciples till the very end.
• He continued to be soft hearted and His greatest acts of love towards His disciples were at the end not the beginning.
• He was hurt by them but kept on loving.
• The grew in love!
• Encouraging thought and challenge for me today.