The Servant Leader
We all know that one of the main heart characteristics of a leader is to serve. Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is often the prime biblical example mentioned. But reading the story of Jesus and the Samarian woman at the well reminded me of another aspect of serving – being open to our weaknesses so that others can serve us. Hang on a minute, did you say, “so others can serve us”? Yes, I did! But not so that we can receive, (although what a blessing that is too!) but so that the Gospel can be shared with others…
John 4 tells us Jesus was tired and thirsty and sat down on Jacob’s well. It was midday and the heat was strong. Jesus had nothing to draw water with. His natural thirst, his human weakness, was the way into his divine encounter with this woman. It not only gave him a motive to speak to her, but it provided the metaphor for him to share about spiritual water and true life. In his weakness Jesus humbled himself with the woman and created a more equal ground for them to talk. He didn’t assert his authority, but instead, drew her into conversation with him.
So then, how about beginning to look for disciples even before they come to know Christ? Jesus modelled working with those who were open to him – he called Peter to follow him when he needed a boat to preach in. The meeting of that need was the beginning of a church-planter!
As a missionary in Peru, I am aware of all the western-world wealth (education, finances, different perspectives) that I bring to this country, and I am constantly looking for ways to use my wealth to bless others and show them the love of Christ. Now, this is not wrong. But I am not here to make Peru like the West! I wonder what would happen if I stopped seeing the people here as poor and in need of help. What if I looked for ways that they could serve me and my family or my ministry community instead? Perhaps then they could meet me as equals and begin to take hold of the Gospel and what it means for themselves. A consumer-Christianity would be transformed into an interdependent community.
- Which people in your life now are open to help and serve you, even though they don’t yet know Christ?
- Where are the weaknesses in your life (time, resources, energy) which could be opportunities to invite others to help you, so that they can meet Jesus?