A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)

It’s a striking contrast: just moments after Jesus reveals that He’s about to suffer and die, the disciples break into a debate about who among them is the greatest. Pride has a way of showing up even in holy moments and it blinds us to the deeper call of Christ—to lay ourselves down in service, not elevate ourselves in status, title, or position.

Jesus didn’t rebuke them harshly. Instead, He called out how what they were doing was like the very people they had frustrations with and redirected their thinking. He pointed out that in the kingdoms of this world, greatness is measured by power, prestige, and position. But in HIS kingdom, greatness is defined by humility and service. He didn’t just teach it—He lived it.

If we want to be like Jesus, we must check our pride at the door. Pride has no place in kingdom leadership. The model Jesus gives us is upside-down to the world: the last will be first, the servant will be the greatest, and those who humble themselves will be exalted by God—not by people.

Jesus didn’t just wash feet as a symbolic act—He washed the feet of men who would betray, deny, and abandon Him. That is the level of service He modeled. It wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t praised by others, but it was holy. And He calls us to do the same.

If we aspire to lead and be good, godly leaders, we must first learn to serve humbly. Not just when it’s convenient or applauded, but especially when it’s messy and unseen. Leadership in the kingdom isn’t about managing people from a platform—it’s about getting down in the trenches, setting the tone, and being an example through action, not title. A leader who asks others to scrub the floors but won’t pick up a mop themselves is not a kingdom leader—they’re a hired manager playing a role.

The call to lead is a call to die to self. If we’re unwilling to do the lowest task, we’re not ready to carry the weight of leadership. Jesus didn’t consider anything beneath Him, and neither should we. So, let’s ask ourselves honestly: Am I leading like Jesus? Am I willing to do the “bottom of the barrel” tasks without complaint or superiority? Do I expect others to do what I say, even when I’m not doing it myself? Do I find joy in serving others, even when no one sees or no one is serving me?

The greatest in the kingdom aren’t the ones being served—they’re the ones doing the serving. So often, we either step onto a pedestal in pride or others put us there in elevating our leadership position when it shouldn’t be. Regardless of how we got there, let’s be purposeful to step off the pedestal, pick up the towel, and follow the example of our King by washing the feet of others, regardless of who they are.