Jesus says in John 13:12-17, in the Message Bible,“Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So, if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.”

If we are to be servant leaders, our minds, thoughts, emotions, designs and desires for life and ministry must be immersed in Jesus’ example. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” Philippians 2: 5; (NIV). The word mind in the original Greek carries the meaning of that part of the human system that initiates “thoughts, emotions, designs, and desires; to set the mind upon.”

The principles of John chapter 13 are a platform that Jesus used to develop His disciples into servant leaders by “serving one another.” Jesus further says in  Matthew chapter 20, verses 26-28, in the New Century Version. “Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. 27 Whoever wants to become first among you must serve the rest of you like a slave. 28 In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.

As servant leaders, this is the place of beginning for us and the truth of John 13:17 being seen in our lives. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.”