Episode 4: Titles and Towels

This powerful message challenges everything we think we know about leadership and greatness by examining the King of Kings in John 13. We're presented with a stunning paradox: Jesus, who holds every title imaginable—King of the Jews, King of Israel, King of Righteousness, King of Ages, King of Heaven, King of Glory, and ultimately King of Kings—chooses to wrap a towel around his waist and wash his disciples' dirty feet. This isn't weakness; it's the ultimate expression of strength and authority. The sermon reveals that true kingdom leadership isn't about ruling over people but serving under them. Jesus knew his identity, his authority, and his destiny, yet he chose humility over hierarchy. The most profound insight here is that we cannot truly follow a King we won't let clean us. Acceptance doesn't mean capitulation—Jesus meets us where we are, but he transforms us into something new. For those of us who lead in any capacity—whether as parents, pastors, managers, or mentors—this passage turns our understanding upside down: the way up is down, the path to greatness is servanthood, and the place of honor begins with humility. When we serve people's needs with genuine love, they submit to our leadership without question. The challenge isn't managing others; it's denying ourselves and recognizing that without Christ, we're really not all that. Every title God gives us is simply a pathway to pick up a towel.