Washing The Feet 👣

 Washing the Feet 👣

In God’s vineyard, especially as a leader, we are entrusted with responsibilities that often go beyond what we expect or even feel ready for. Leadership in the kingdom of God is not about titles, positions, or recognition — it is about service. Regardless of who we are or what title we carry, we are all called to serve. We are called to help draw souls back to Christ, not just through our words, but through our actions, our attitude, and our willingness to do even the smallest tasks with a sincere heart.

It may sound surprising, but souls can still feel lost even within the church. People come seeking love, guidance, and truth, yet sometimes what they encounter is distance, pride, or indifference. That, however, is a conversation for another day.

On this particular day, the atmosphere was intense with activity. Everyone was busy — not just busy, but extremely busy. If there were a stronger word for it, that would have been the perfect description. There were tasks to be completed, arrangements to be made, and responsibilities to be handled. Every hand was needed.

However, at some point, it became clear that the labourers in the team were few. Though we had a handful of volunteers, the workload still felt heavy. So, in the midst of it all, I reached out to a female minister nearby.

I simply asked for help to carry an empty plastic table — something light enough that even a child could move it with ease. My plan was simple: I would carry one end, and she would carry the other.

But immediately, she shrugged and said she couldn’t help. She turned away quickly, avoiding eye contact. It was subtle, but it spoke loudly.

And in that moment, I was shocked.

Not because the task was difficult —

but because:

i) The table was empty and made of plastic — light enough for an eight-year-old to carry.

ii) She was not occupied with any task at that moment.

iii) She was physically fit and had previously carried heavier items when it benefited her.

As I stood there, holding the table, something shifted within me. My heart sank, not out of anger, but out of deep reflection.

A question echoed within me:

“Jesus washed the feet of His disciples… so why do we struggle to serve?”

(John 13:14-15 — “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.”)

Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, chose to lead by serving.

He did not lead from a place of pride 

He led from a place of humility.

He bent down.

He served.

He washed.

And then another thought came:

“What if I were an unbeliever watching this?”

What lesson would I have learned?

Would I have seen Christ in her response?

Would I have understood what it truly means to serve?

Because the truth is —

people are always watching.

(Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”)

Sometimes, the greatest sermon is not preached on a pulpit —

it is lived through simple actions.


Reflection

This experience is not just about one person 

it is a reminder to all of us.

How many times have we allowed our titles to limit our service?

How many times have we avoided small tasks because they seemed “beneath us”?

How many times have we forgotten that in God’s kingdom,

greatness is measured by service, not status?

(Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…”)

True leadership is not about being served —

it is about serving others, even when no one is watching.

Conclusion

In the vineyard of God, no task is too small.

No act of service is insignificant.

No opportunity to serve should be ignored.

The way we serve matters.

The heart behind our service matters even more.

If Jesus could wash feet,

then we can carry tables.

If Jesus could humble Himself,

then we can let go of pride.

If Jesus could serve without condition,

then we can serve without excuse.

Let us not become leaders who wear titles but lack humility.

Let us not become workers who are visible but unavailable.

Instead, let us be ready vessels , willing, and humble.

Because at the end of the day,

it is not about what we were called 

it is about how well we served.


            ✍🏽 Written by Maria Jacobs

          Christian writer & faith blogger

         🌿 Read articles on my blog


#WashingTheFeet#ServantLeadership#CalledToServe#ChristianLiving#FaithInAction#LeadByExample#KingdomService#HumilityInChrist#BeTheLight

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