Leadership in the first church represented both the greatest service and the humblest role. One of Jesus’ most radical acts when in the company of his disciples was to take a towel and wash their feet (John 13:1-17). This was not something that Rabbis would do, it being more the function of a servant or slave. It’s not hard to imagine the state of people’s feet in first century Israel! The act was, of course, a powerful symbol of the fact that He had come to cleanse the world from sin. The greatest way God could bless humanity was by coming as a man and dying for them. As Jesus made clear, there is no greater love or service than the act of someone giving up their life for another (John 15:13-15). Jesus' life demonstrates His love and sacrifice for us. What do our lives show the world? Only One was called to die on the Cross for our sin, but all are called to tell of His great love.
