One of the most profound examples of servant leadership is found in John 13.

Jesus knew it was nearing the time when He’d have to lay down His life, taking the full responsibility of sin upon Himself even though He was sinless. And what did He do in preparation? The King of kings knelt down before His disciples (including Peter, whom Jesus knew would deny Him, and Judas, whom Jesus knew would turn Him over to the Romans), and He washed their feet.

Jesus told His disciples to do the same for others, saying, “A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him” (v. 16). No act of service was beneath the Lord or considered undeserved.

As a child of God, you aren’t only supposed to serve the ones you deem as worthy of your acts of kindness; you are called to serve everyone, regardless of their attitude or actions toward you.

If Jesus came only to serve the worthy, all of humanity would be left without the hope of redemption. But “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).

Today, look for ways to serve those around you; let the love of Christ shine forth in your actions.