I have given you an example . . .

After washing the disciples feet, the Savior spoke, no doubt softly but with powerful clarity, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done. Verily, verily, I say unto, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If you know these things, happy are ye if you do them."

Among the Jewish leaders of the time and, indeed, among leaders throughout history, there has been a concern for preeminence and the power and authority that comes to the one who stands above all others. Indeed, the Savior's own disciples quarreled various times over who would be preeminent among them. During such a moment, their patient Master, explained "ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 25-28).

The message in all this is clear. They were to follow His example. He did not seek for power, authority or preeminence. As the literal son of God, He possessed these, but never exercised them. Instead, He patiently taught and guided them. He knelt on the floor and washed their feet, a symbol of what He would do for them in the Garden later that night and on the cross the following day. He served and ministered to them as part of His mission to fulfill His Fathers will, to save their souls, give them purpose, help them realize their potential, and bring them joy in fulfilling that purpose and potential. This is what leadership is about.

So, with that in mind, why do you want to lead others?