An Example

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.  

John 13:13-15 

Christ leads by example. He does not tell us to do what He has not done, cannot do, or will not do. On the occasion before us, He had assumed the role of the most menial servant and performed the work of washing His disciples’ feet. Our text is His explanation of His actions with the application of it. For our purpose today we are concentrating on His statement, ‘For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.’ The essence of the life of the believer is the imitation of Christ. This is particularly important for anyone in leadership. We only lead well as we imitate Christ. His washing the feet of the disciples is the epitome of that leadership. This is useful for anyone who leads to see and imitate. It is also useful for anyone who is following a leader. By this, a follower is able to evaluate whether the person they are following is worthy of their  allegiance. Some leaders are worthy and others are not. Also, if we desire to imitate Christ, whether we are in leadership or not, His example is for all of us to serve as He served.  

Our Gracious God and our Savior, 
we rejoice that You have done all things well. 
We praise You that You have set before us 
a worthy example. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning