Discipleship: Lead by serving.
Discipleship: Lead by serving.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” — John 13:15
When we hear the word discipleship, we often think about making disciples through formation classes, Bible studies, catechism, or theological instruction. All of these are important. However, in this passage, we see that one of Jesus’ final lessons to His disciples before He went to the cross was not simply taught with words. It was demonstrated through action.
Jesus had lived with His disciples for the previous three and a half years. He taught and formed them, not by sitting with them in a classroom, but by sharing life with them.
Jesus lived among them and showed them what it meant to live faithfully before God. They saw how He prayed, how He treated the poor, how He welcomed outsiders, how He responded to opposition, how He forgave sinners, and how He served those around Him.
Then, just before going to the cross, Jesus gave them one of the clearest pictures of discipleship: He took on the role of the lowest servant and washed their feet.
The Lord became the servant.
He did not merely tell them to serve. He showed them what service looked like.
Christian leadership, therefore, is not about titles, influence, prominence, rights, or privileges. It is about stooping down in love to meet the needs of others.
Leadership in the way of Jesus means leading through service. It means being willing to take the lower place, to perform tasks that may appear small or unnoticed, and to humble ourselves rather than seeking recognition.
The same is true for those who have been placed in positions of leadership or administration. Their role is not merely to complete a task, fulfil a duty, deliver a sermon, or carry out administrative responsibilities. Their calling is also to set an example.
A Christian leader does not simply tell others what should be done. A Christian leader demonstrates, through humility, love, and service, what it means to follow Christ.
The clearest symbol of Christian leadership is not a throne, but a towel.
Pastor Mark Tung
Botany
July 2026
