Scripture for Today
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. - John 13:14 NIV
Jesus taught what a true servant leader really is. Instead of being treated like a king or like royalty, as many spiritual leaders of the time preferred, Jesus showed his disciples and his followers how to lead through service and humility. The heart to please God and serve Him is often missing from those who have the heart to be a leader.
This is why David prayed that the Lord would create in him a clean heart and renew a right Spirit within him.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10 NIV
This happened after David was admonished by the prophet Nathan for committing a grave sin with Bathsheba. The sin of taking the man's wife and sending the husband to his death for David’s own selfish desire was an abuse of his leadership and authority.
We see this heart sometimes demonstrated in the church scandals of the day. We see people who wanted the microphone and the accolades more than they wanted the responsibility and the service. The desire to be a leader is just the beginning. The maturity and humility needed to become the leader you desire to be is the journey that God guides us on day in and day out.
Jesus, as the author and finisher of our faith, demonstrated this very well in this scripture. After washing the feet of the disciples, He encouraged them to now wash each other's feet. They were encouraged to submit one to another. To serve one another. To be the demonstration of servant leadership for others to see and emulate.
Jesus carried the heart of the Father and walked that out through this scripture. Let us be like Jesus as we walk through the world day after day, let us pray for a clean heart and the right spirit that the grace and Glory of God would be with us.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Practice Humble Service in Daily Life
Jesus modeled humility by performing a task that was usually reserved for the lowest servant. To walk this out, look for opportunities to serve others in small and meaningful ways. This could be helping a coworker with an overwhelming project, preparing a meal for someone in need, or simply offering your time to listen to a friend. Galatians 5:13 says, “Serve one another humbly in love.” Humble service demonstrates Christlike love without seeking recognition.
2. Forgive and Extend Grace Freely
Washing another’s feet also symbolizes cleansing and restoration. In daily life, this means being willing to forgive offenses quickly and extend grace when others fall short. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Choosing forgiveness releases both you and the other person, keeping your relationships rooted in love rather than bitterness.
3. Invest in Building Others Up Spiritually
Beyond physical service, believers are called to strengthen one another spiritually. Just as Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to prepare them, you can encourage others through prayer, mentorship, or sharing scripture. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” By taking time to pour into others, you help them walk closer with God and reflect His character more fully.
Closing Encouragement
John 13:14 is not only a call to an action but to a lifestyle of humility, love, and service. Each act of service, every choice to forgive, and every effort to build others up reflects the heart of Christ in a tangible way. As you serve with love and humility, you are living as His hands and feet in the world. Your daily obedience becomes a testimony that points others back to Jesus, the ultimate servant King.