Set The Example

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him,  He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:1-15)

Thought For Today:
Example setting must be the hallmark of every leader.  As a leader, you should not tell your people to do anything that you would not be willing to do yourself.  Jesus didn't tell his disciples what to do, He showed them what to do and how to do it.  The instructors always showed us what to do and how to do it. When Jesus washed His disciples feet, they knew that this was a duty to be performed by servants or slaves.  And now,to have their Master stoop to such a low state, Peter couldn't believe it.  Jesus broke all protocol when it came to certain things in training His disciples.  The religious leaders couldn't understand how he could eat with sinners, touch the lepers, and talk with a harlot.  But Jesus wanted them to see the purpose for His coming, more than what they thought of Him.  All leadership has one objective, and that is to accomplish a mission.  And if the mission is going to get done and done correctly, then the key leaders have to set the example.