The Priority of Developing Servant Leaders

Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Only the Gospel of Luke records that it was Peter and John who were sent ahead to prepare the Upper Room for the Passover feast. Matthew just speaks of “the disciples” doing this, while Mark speaks of “two disciples” but doesn’t name them.

So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: “As you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:13‬ ‭NLT

Was it significant that Jesus chose Peter and John for this assignment? Did Jesus do this intentionally because He was identifying them as leaders among the Twelve? Why was James left out? He was among the “inner group,” the three that Jesus often pulled aside for additional instruction. Were Peter and John more leader-worthy, or was this done because Jesus knew that James would be the first among the Twelve to be martyred and would not have the opportunity to exercise leadership in the young church?

I have to think that Peter and John were selected for this assignment purposefully, setting them up as identified leaders among the Twelve. I also think that Jesus selected Peter and John because He wanted them to begin to practice servant leadership. I think Jesus’ interaction with Peter around the table points to that lesson.

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?””

‭‭John‬ ‭13:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

All the other eleven sat quietly, probably in stunned silence, as Jesus took the towel and basin and washed their feet. Only Peter protested. Peter had a different view of leadership. Leaders were to be followed. Leaders were to be honored. Leaders were to be respected. Leaders were to be obeyed. Leaders were to be served.

Jesus’ act of selfless love shattered Peter’s leadership paradigm. Strong leaders serve others. Strong leaders pick up the towel and get their hands dirty. Strong leaders lead from their knees. Strong leaders lay down their pride and self-ambition. Strong leaders serve others.

This was the leadership Jesus modeled.

And while all of the Twelve would be challenged, none (other than perhaps Judas) would be challenged greater than Peter.

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I hadn’t noticed the “each of you” part of this conversation. Some conversations just say you, but ὑμᾶς τοῦ is a plural pronoun, so it is better translated “all of you” or “each of you.” Satan was going to sift the Twelve. They would be tested. Their faith would be tested. Their resolve would be tested. Their endurance would be tested. Their commitment would be tested. Their devotion would be tested. Their belief would be tested. Their courage would be tested.

But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus prayed for them that they would survive the sifting, that their faith would not evaporate in the face of intense trial.

How did they fare?

Judas betrayed Jesus.

Peter denied Jesus.

Nine others scattered in fear, hiding from the Jewish authorities.

Only John remained by Jesus’ side. Only John courageously stood with Jesus during His trial. While Peter was left in the courtyard, denying Jesus three times, where was John?

John had some connection to the High Priest. It was John who got Peter into the courtyard just outside where the trial had been going on. Again, Peter and John, together. They prepared the Upper Room. They are there at Jesus’ trial. They would preach the gospel together throughout Jerusalem after the ascension.

Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus.”

‭‭John‬ ‭18:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Since John was not with Peter, denying Jesus in the courtyard, where was John? It seems likely that John’s connection to the High Priest gained him access inside the house where Jesus was being tried. If this is the case, and it seems likely to be since John gives us a blow by blow of what happened inside, then John was the only one of the Twelve standing by Jesus at His trial.