Day 1: Jesus, the upside-down leader

“I’m not touching your stinky feet!”

I say this jokingly to my children, but seriously, have you ever been a teenager or been around one who sweats through a pair of socks? When I played sports, there were days I’d peel off my socks only to be hit with a stench that should never come from a human being!

Now, imagine life in ancient times, where people walked miles on dusty, unimproved roads in sandals that barely protected their feet. That’s why foot washing wasn’t just symbolic—it was necessary. And because it was such a filthy job, it was reserved for the lowest in the social hierarchy: servants and slaves. These individuals were considered property, had no rights, and often worked long hours in brutal conditions.

So here’s the question:
Why would Jesus—the Son of the living God, the King of Kings, the promised Messiah—choose to take on such a humiliating task (John 13:1–5)?

Jesus gives us a clue in John 6:38 NIV:

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

In other words, He came on purpose and for a purpose—to serve and to save. His entire life was a model of sacrificial leadership, marked by teaching, healing, discipling, and ultimately dying for others. Thousands followed Him, not just for His miracles but because He lived differently. And today, over two thousand years later, His example still calls us higher.
But still, why wash dirty, stinky feet?

At first glance, it seems unnecessary. After all, His legacy was already secured. But that’s the point. Jesus flipped our definition of greatness on its head in one quiet, lowly act. By washing feet, He made it clear: you don’t need a title to lead; you need to take action. You don’t need to be the most talented, the most followed, or the most impressive. You just need to serve.
Many of us question whether we’re qualified to lead. Here’s your answer:
Yes, you are.
You were created on purpose and for a purpose. You already have what it takes. The only thing left to do is act. So, before you search for your “big break,” start by washing someone's feet. In today’s world, that looks like:

• Listening intently when someone around you is overwhelmed or hurting.
• Volunteering your time for work that no one else wants to do.
• Giving credit away when it would be easy to keep it.
• Mentoring someone younger or less experienced, even if no one’s watching.
• Doing what’s right, even if it goes unnoticed or unthanked.
• Showing up consistently for your family, team, or community, even when you feel unqualified.
  

Leadership starts with humility, and humility starts with service. So today, take one simple step: Wash some feet.