Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 310 – Take the Towel 

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;  so 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. – John 13:3–5

This is one of the most astonishing openings to an act of service in all of Scripture.

Jesus knew who He was. He knew where He had come from. He knew where He was going. He knew the Father had placed all things under His power.

And what did He do with that knowledge?

He got up from the meal.
He took off His outer clothing.
He wrapped a towel around His waist.
He poured water into a basin.
And He began to wash His disciples’ feet.

Jesus did not serve because He was trying to prove Himself. He served because He knew Himself. He was not acting out of insecurity, fear, ambition, or the need to be noticed. He was acting from the deep confidence of being loved by the Father and obedient to the Father.

That is a powerful word for all of us in business.

So much leadership is driven by anxiety. We want to be respected. We want to be seen as competent. We want to protect our position, prove our worth, and maintain control. We may tell ourselves we are serving the organisation, but sometimes we are really serving our own need to be secure.

Jesus shows us another way. The One who had all authority took up the towel.

In His culture, foot washing was the work of the lowest servant or the youngest child. It was not glamorous. It was not strategic in the usual sense. It was not the sort of work that would normally be assigned to the leader, the teacher, or the honoured guest. And yet Jesus did it. 

In the Kingdom of God, authority is not given so we can stand above others. Authority is given so we can kneel in love.

That does not mean leaders abandon responsibility, clarity, or courage. Jesus did not cease to be Lord when He washed His disciples’ feet. He did not become less authoritative by serving. If anything, His authority became more visible, because it was revealed as love.

Then Jesus says:

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

In business, taking the towel may look like listening carefully to the person who feels overlooked. It may mean doing the unglamorous work that no one else wants to do. I’ve cleaned lots of washrooms in my business. It may mean admitting a mistake before blame spreads through the team. It may mean helping a colleague succeed without needing credit. It may mean using authority to protect, encourage, and restore rather than to dominate.

It also means allowing Christ to wash us first. We cannot give what we have refused to receive. 

Jesus knew who He was, so He was free to serve. May you know who you are in Christ; know where you are going walking by his side, confident that your work belongs to God.

Take the towel.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You took up the towel and showed us the true shape of authority. Free us from the insecurity that makes us grasp for position, recognition, or control. Teach us to receive Your grace without resistance, and to serve others. In our businesses, homes, teams, and communities, help us lead from the confidence of being loved by You. Give us courage to take the towel.
Amen.