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A Conflict Between Two Worldviews (John 8)
John 8 depicts one long showdown between two conflicting worldviews. It begins with the woman caught committing adultery (v. 1-11), then moves to an argument between Jesus and the Pharisees about their fleshly judgment (v. 12-30). Next, the Lord explains what it means to be truly born of Abraham (v. 31-47). Finally, He debates the synagogue leaders about His identity (v. 48-59).
The flawed worldview of the Jewish leaders contributed greatly to their continuing inability to understand Jesus. They sat in a place of power and feared being displaced. Jesus taught that leadership meant serving others; they sought titles and positions of honor. Jesus taught that leadership meant giving up rights; they took pride in their heritage as sons of Abraham. Jesus told them that their actions revealed their true father—and that’s when they had had enough. This Jesus was simply too radical for them.
Still, they couldn’t win a debate with Him. He seemed to know Scriptures better than they did! He was different from them—but much to their disappointment, He was right.
Secular Leadership vs. Out of This World (Spiritual) Leadership
Issue |
Secular Leadership |
Out of This World Leadership |
| How to gain influence | Leverage power | Love people (Phil. 2:3-11) |
| How to possess confidence | Compete and win | Depend on God (2 Cor. 3:4-6) |
| How to acquire authority | Claim your rights & position | Servanthood (Matt. 20:20-28) |
| How to grow a team | Demand of people | Develop people (Acts 19:8-10) |
| What vision drives you | Temporal gain | Eternal gain (Matt. 6:31-33) |
| What is success | Overcoming the competition | Obeying the Lord (1 Cor. 4:1-5) |
| The heart of leadership | A boss | A Father (1 Cor. 4:15) |
What does your leadership most resemble: a Pharisee or a servant?
Jesus Provides a Picture (John 13)
The Savior of the world proved Himself to be the greatest Servant of all time. The story is familiar to many. When the disciples booked an upper room for their supper, they forgot to book a servant to wash dirty feet at the door, as per custom.
Yet when the disciples realized the servant was missing, none of them volunteered for the job. Instead, they argued over who was the greatest. When Jesus saw this, He decided to use the opportunity to present an object lesson. After supper, Jesus stripped down to a small piece of cloth around his waist, even looking the part of the servant. Then He took a basin of water and a towel and began washing the feet of His men. As He interacted with them, several lessons about servanthood became clear.
Christlike Servant Leaders…
- Are motivated by love to serve others (v. 1-2). Jesus’ love was undeserved, unending, unconditional and unselfish. Love made Him serve.
- Possess a security that allows them to serve others (v. 3). The insecure are into titles; the secure are into towels. Jesus’ security enabled Him to both stoop and stretch.
- Initiate servant ministry to others (v. 4-5). Jesus didn’t wait for someone to clarify protocol. He saw a need and met it.
- Receive servant ministry from others (v. 6-7). A servant’s heart exposes pride in others. Peter had a hard time letting Jesus serve him.
- Want nothing to hinder their relationship with God (v. 8-9). Peter moved from one extreme to the other. If Jesus offered to wash him, he didn’t want to miss anything else He might do.
- Teach servanthood by their example (v. 12-15). Jesus let them know that if the Master washed their feet, they ought to imitate Him.
- Live a blessed life (v. 16-17). Jesus reminded His men that they were blessed if they obeyed Him.
How Can We Imitate Jesus’ Servant Leadership?
- Put others ahead of your agenda.
- Develop the confidence and security to take risks.
- Look for a need and take initiative.
- Perform small acts anonymously.
- Learn to walk slowly through the crowd.
- Begin your day by reflecting on your love for others.
- Develop a bias for action.
May you learn the quality of Servanthood—the true measure of greatness—as you shoot for the stars!