DYNAMICS OF EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP

                        Dynamics Of Excellent Leadership

St. John 13:1-17

 

 

Dynamics means the study of the relationship between motion and the forces affecting motion. The physical, intellectual, or moral forces that produce motion, activity, and change in a given sphere. The psychological aspect or conduct of an interpersonal relationship.

 

Jesus displayed the greatest example of excellence in leadership. Jesus was the model servant and he showed this attitude to his disciples. Washing guests feet was a job for a household servant when guest arrived. But Jesus wrapped a towel around him, as the lowliest slave would do, and washed his disciples feet.

 

If God, in the flesh is willing to serve, we his followers must also be servants, willing to serve in any way that glorifies God. There is a special blessing for those who not only agree that humble service is Christ’s way, but who also do it (Jn 13:17).

 

Jesus washed his disciples feet, not only to get them to be nice to each other, but his far greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after He was gone. These men were to move into all the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all the people to whom they took the message of salvation.

 

We know from the other Gospels that John and his brother James were hot tempered and ambitious. Jesus nicknamed them “the Sons of Thunder”. If John, now the author or source of St. John, we can only wonder at the amazing change that his friendship with Jesus has made. He is now so humble that he does not even include his own name. The only thing that matters to him is that Jesus loves him!

 

Jesus followers are made clean by God’s salvation…symbolized in the washing of baptism. After the cleansing of baptism they need only the day to day ‘foot washing’ of forgiveness, after contact with the grime of the world. John makes this same point in his first letter. “If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (I Jn 1:9). Are we doing our day to day ‘foot washing’? Are we seeking a fresh anointing of God Holy Spirit each day after contending with our day to day responsibilities?

 

Jesus has promised his disciples that they will do the same work as he has been doing (Jn 14:12). Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, explains how this promise comes true. The activities of the first Christians reflect the ministry of Jesus.

 Peter and Paul confronts the power of Satan. They win battles over deceit, disease and demon possession. The first Christians also take care of people in need, and organized themselves to share their possessions and protect the weak. Human need is more important than religious formality.

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