The Strength to Kneel: How Jesus Redefines Power Through Service

Written By View Church

Pastor Reed Sowell

Power and leadership aren't often associated with humility, much less kneeling down to wash someone else's feet. But in one of the most defining and disarming moments of His ministry, Jesus did exactly that. He knelt, took up a towel, and washed the feet of His disciples—an act as culturally shocking as it was spiritually revealing.

In a world that often celebrates influence through dominance, Jesus offers a contrasting way forward—one marked by submission, sacrifice, and service.

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Jesus Redefines Leadership by Taking a Knee

The account in John 13:1-5 paints a picture of quiet authority used for love:

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power… so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” (John 13:3-4, NIV)

There it is: Jesus, knowing He holds all power, chooses to kneel. He doesn't bark orders. He doesn't distance Himself from the grime of humanity. He lowers Himself, intentionally, to wash the feet of those He leads—including the one who would betray Him.

Leadership here is not about asserting dominance. It’s about giving dignity. And for Jesus, this moment wasn’t just about clean feet—it was about clean hearts.

When Folding Laundry Becomes Sacred

One of the quickest ways to test your capacity for service is through the mundane. Think about the last time you were asked to do something you didn’t enjoy—maybe it was folding someone else's laundry, taking out the trash, or doing dishes late at night.

These daily tasks may feel small, but they reveal something big: whether we’re living for ourselves or others. We often dismiss these moments, but they’re where the strength to kneel is actually formed. They’re where love is proven.

  • Are you seeing your daily responsibilities as opportunities to serve or annoyances to avoid?

  • Do you resist the “lowly” roles in your relationships because they feel beneath you?

The Kingdom of God is revealed in how we handle the chores no one sees or celebrates.

Foot Washing Was the Worst Job, and Jesus Chose It

In Jesus’ day, foot washing was gross—no modern shoes, no paved roads, and plenty of filth. Feet were dusty, cracked, and often covered in things you don’t want to imagine.

Washing feet wasn’t just undesirable—it was humiliating. It was reserved for the lowest of the low in a household’s servant hierarchy. And yet, that’s exactly what Jesus chose to do.

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet…” (John 13:5, NIV)

Jesus didn’t stumble into that position. He placed Himself there—at the very bottom—because that’s what Kingdom leadership looks like.

He was making a clear statement: In My Kingdom, power is expressed through humility.

The Power of “So”

There’s one small word in John 13 that changes everything: so.

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power... so he got up from the meal…” (John 13:3-4, NIV)

This one word bridges unlimited authority with an act of radical humility. Jesus could’ve done anything with His power. But He chose to kneel.

He could’ve called out Judas. Could’ve forced Peter to serve Him. Could’ve silenced the Pharisees for good. But instead, He washed feet.

This wasn’t weakness. It was strength restrained by love.

What Do You Do With the Power You Have?

Everyone has some kind of power or influence—over your children, at your job, in your church, or even in your friendships. The question isn’t whether you have power. It’s what you do with it.

  • Are you using your position to serve or to be served?

  • Are you leveraging your authority to elevate others, or to elevate yourself?

The moment you decide a task is “beneath you,” you're out of step with the way of Jesus.

In fact, when we refuse to do the lowly thing, we start sounding a lot like the Pharisees—those who used their positions for their own comfort rather than the benefit of others.

Jesus Washed Judas' Feet Too

Yes, even Judas.

This fact alone should stop us in our tracks. Jesus didn’t withhold service from the one who would betray Him. He didn’t shame him or exclude him.

He knelt. He scrubbed. He dried.

That act wasn’t naïve. It was purposeful. Jesus was showing us what enemy love looks like—not just love for our friends, but love for those who will hurt us.

Can you serve someone who has wronged you?
Can you wash feet without controlling the outcome?

That’s what Jesus did.

You Have to Let Jesus Serve You First

When Jesus gets to Peter, Peter resists:

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8, NIV)

This is where many get stuck. We want to serve Jesus, but we don’t want to be served by Him. It feels backwards—like we’re too broken to deserve that kind of grace.

But here’s the truth: You can’t represent Jesus until you’ve first received Him.

You can’t live a life of humble service unless you’ve let Jesus do the soul-deep cleansing only He can offer.

Being “Clean” Doesn’t Mean You’re Perfect

Jesus responds to Peter’s outburst with nuance:

“Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.” (John 13:10, NIV)

Translation? If you’ve been saved by Jesus, you’re already clean. You don’t need to keep “getting saved.” But you doneed continual cleansing in the daily areas of your life where dirt creeps in.

Spiritual foot washing is real.

Even Christians need spot cleaning—those small, stubborn areas of pride, bitterness, lust, or fear. Areas we hide because we’re ashamed. But when we hold back, we grow distant from Jesus.

  • Are there parts of your life that need a foot washing?

  • Do you need to allow Jesus to get close again?

It’s Possible to Be Near Jesus but Not Follow Him

Judas was there, too. He experienced everything the other disciples did. He heard the same teachings, saw the same miracles, received the same love.

But he wasn’t clean.

Why? Because he wasn’t submitted to Jesus. He walked with Jesus but didn’t follow Him.

Let that sink in.

You can go to church. You can know Scripture. You can serve in ministry. And still not be surrendered.

Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him.

You’re Clean—Now Act Like It

If you’re a follower of Jesus, your salvation is secure. But that doesn’t mean you’re immune to sin. The invitation is not to re-earn your salvation, but to live in daily surrender.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14, NIV)

You’re clean. You’re saved. You’re in.
But now it’s time to get up, grab a towel, and serve.

Not once. Not occasionally. But as a lifestyle.

Jesus Didn’t Just Talk About It—He Did It

Jesus doesn’t merely suggest serving others. He demonstrates it.

He doesn’t just model it. He commands it.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15, NIV)

This isn’t optional Kingdom etiquette. It’s the foundation of discipleship.

Real greatness isn’t found in title or platform. It’s found in a willingness to stoop.

Service Is the Standard, Not the Exception

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17, NIV)

Blessing doesn’t come from knowing truth. It comes from living it.

Jesus doesn't need more thinkers; He needs followers. Doers. Kneelers. Towel-bearers.

Your power, your influence, your time, your talents—they're not for your gain. They’re tools to reflect Jesus.

What’s Beneath You May Be Exactly Where God Wants You

Serving isn't glamorous. It doesn't always feel spiritual. But the Kingdom is often built in places we’d rather avoid.

You don't need to move across the world to live on mission. Start by folding the laundry, taking out the trash, loving your neighbor, and showing up faithfully.

Because Jesus took it all the way to the cross—not just the floor.

“...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV)

And now He calls us to live like that.

So—what towel do you need to pick up today?

Call to Action

  • Is there a task or relationship you've been avoiding because it feels beneath you? Take one step to serve today.

  • Let Jesus do a "foot washing" in your life. Is there a part of your heart or habit you need to surrender?

  • Start asking daily: How can I lower myself so someone else can be lifted?

Further Reading

  • “Jesus the Servant King” by J.D. Greear – The Gospel Coalition

  • “Leadership Lessons from the Towel and Basin” by John Ortberg – Christianity Today

Other Links

View Church https://viewchurch.co
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Seen, Called, and Changed: The Transformative Encounters of Jesus