“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” – Luke 22:26 (NLT)

The Leader walked into the room, amidst a discussion among peers about whom among them was the greatest.

A man known for His words, His teaching and His endless examples of truth spoken to multitudes, now taught His greatest lesson by example. Jesus, just a short time before offering His life as a ransom for sin, stooped to the lowest form of a servant.

He washed the feet of Peter, the headstrong and assertive one who would soon deny that he knew Jesus when given three chances. He washed the feet of Judas, who would betray Him. Jesus washed the feet of James and John, the sons of “thunder” and of Zebedee, whose mother had already had the same discussion about prominence in the Kingdom for her boys. And He washed the feet of Thomas, who doubted both Jesus’ direct teaching and later that He had risen from the dead.

This example is given to each of us to follow — not just the words of Jesus but the actions. As a public address announcer and a pastor, it’s easy to lend my voice to a project and believe my greatest gift to be talking. Yet time after time, I am reminded my value to others is how I serve.

Walking around Memorial Gym in Nashville following the final game of the season, I was approached by a longtime season-ticket holder (and this is my third season). He spoke slowly, with great wisdom, and I listened to every word. But his compliments about announcing were nice, yet unnecessary, because his final words meant more to me than anything he could have said about my job. The gentleman said, “You don’t know me, but I watch you. I watch how you treat the ushers. I watch how you speak to the players, and the staff and the people around the gym floor before the game. I watch how you say thank you, hold doors for others and are kind. And it’s how you treat people that makes you good at what you do.”

No matter your profession, the role as a servant to others and loving our neighbor is the greatest way to show our example and follow the teaching of Jesus. You may be blessed with incredible opportunities in sports, ministry and life, but never forget that Jesus made Himself the lowest servant and in doing so, elevated His example to the greatest He ever taught.

He did so not with words, but in actions. I can’t speak that over a microphone and say it. It’s my responsibility to live it.

– Kris Freeman