Obedience and A Towel

In John 13, Jesus performs an act that has inspired and humbled his followers for centuries—He washes His disciples’ feet. This moment is often cited as the perfect example of servant leadership. But what if the deeper lesson is not about servanthood—but about obedience? 

John introduces this passage with, “Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father” (John 13:1, NRSV). This “hour” is not just a chronological marker—it’s a theological one. It signals that Jesus is moving in step with the Father’s timeline. His actions, including foot washing, are not spontaneous gestures of service but deliberate acts aligned with divine purpose. Foot washing is a precursor to the cross—a sign pointing to the obedience that would take him to His sacrificial death.

As a student of leadership, I spent significant time studying this very passage as a central text in the foundation of servant leadership models. For many theorists, including Robert Greenleaf, this moment represents the heart of leadership as service—the leader as one who stoops low, putting the needs of others above their own status or power. Yet, in all the academic commentary and leadership theories, one truth is often overlooked—Jesus did not act out of a need to prove humility. He acted out of pure obedience to the will of His Father.

The servant posture was not the ultimate goal—it was the outcome of His greater desires to fulfill what the Father had given Him to do. In this way, foot washing becomes not just a model for how leaders should serve, but how leaders must obey. 

The act of washing feet was traditionally reserved for the lowest servant. For Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, to perform this task was socially jarring. Peter’s refusal—“You will never wash my feet” (John 13:8)—reflects this discomfort. But Jesus responds, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This was not merely about hygiene or humility. Rather, it was about participation in the divine mission.

Peter’s misunderstanding emphasizes that obeying God’s will often defies human expectations. Jesus wasn’t performing a symbolic act for applause. Rather, he enacted the Father’s will, even when it meant challenging social norms and discomfort.

In verses 12–17, Jesus explains the significance of His actions. “I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” While this is often interpreted as a call to servanthood, it is equally a call to obedience. Jesus is modeling a life that prioritizes the Father’s will above personal comfort or societal expectations.

What Is the Father Asking of You?

As leaders and as disciples, we must ask:

• Am I willing to obey God’s directives, even when they challenge my comfort zone?
• Is my leadership defined by obedience to God’s voice?
• What simple act, perhaps unnoticed by others, is God asking of me today?

Jesus’ foot washing is not just a lesson in humility. It’s a demonstration of total obedience. As we lead others, may we do so with a towel in one hand, but also with the Father’s will in our hearts.