The Power of Submission: Christlike Leadership

Just before Jesus was hung on the cross, John records a very important demonstration of the power of submission. He demonstrated that the kind of leadership he wants is one of submission. In John 13, the author records, “It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”

People who are in leadership positions are in power. You can lead by force, by charisma, or by example. Most of the time when we think of leading we do not think about submission. However, Jesus turns things upside down. Jesus wanted the men who were to lead his people to do so from positions of service not power.

He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:4-17

I think we all know that those who are truly great the real heroes are people who have given of themselves with no thought of reward or the consequences. Real leaders are often unsung and annonymous. Jesus at the end of his ministry was trying to teach the apostles that the Son of God came to serve, so should they.

The kind of leaders he was trying to create were not the kind the world already had, those that lord over their subjects, instead he wanted servant leaders. Leaders in submission to God and willing to serve others.

God bless.

The Power of Submission

Ever wondered if there were any power in submission? I think the two words are antonyms. Power and submission.

Power defined by Merriam-Webster is possession of control, authority, or influence over others; one having such power; specifically : a sovereign state; physical might or political control or influence.

Submission defined by Merriam-Webster is the condition of being submissive, humble, or compliant; an act of submitting to the authority or control of another.

By definition, submission is the act of putting another in power. The one in submission has given their power to someone else. Where is the power in that?

Think about these words from Jesus.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27,28)

Jesus submitted himself to God. For what purpose. Why alow himself to be hung on the cross to die?

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40)

The ultimate power in submission is Christ’s willingness to die in order to fulfill his Fathers will. It is the power to change you and me. To save you and me.

God bless.

Been Getting to Know God

It seems strange to be writing again. I am not sure why I have struggled to get back into the habit of posting. I need to. I have been studying and preaching so I have material. Just not been able to get myself to write.

To say I have been busy would be an understatement. Work is exactly that, work. Church has been a trial. Friends have gone. At times even my sanity seems to leave me.

But, one thing remains. God. He has been so good to me. I cannot describe the comfort I receive from the Spirit. A sense of his presence. Peace in the storm. There is nothing on earth like it.

To know God. The essence of reality. The purpose of Christ’s visit. You are right, his main purpose was to save mankind; however, ultimately, his purpose was help us know God.

1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:1-4

Christianity is not about what you do, how you act, what you believe, it is all about who you know. I know I am oversimplifying the whole thing. BUT. A real big but. You can have all the religion you want, obey all the rules in the book, give everything you have away, buffet your body and bring it under your complete control, say you believe….and not know God. And not have eternal life. God is everything. Knowing God is the ultimate goal. Being in his presence for eternity, the ultimate gift.

God bless.