In every difficult situation (especially those outside your control) you are going to have two choices:
Wash your hands Or wash their feet.
One disengages. The other serves.
Our legacy as leaders depends on the choice we consistently make.
Pilate vs. Jesus: Two Postures
In Matthew 27, Pontius Pilate faced a riot and a political mess. He knew Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to die. The Gospel recounts him saying, “What evil has He done?”
In spite of this, though, he gives in to the pressure of the mob, fearing a backlash, and hands him over to be killed. “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing… he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility.”
This was his way of publicly detaching himself from the injustice. He claimed moral innocence while abandoning any of the responsibility that came with the position he held. The crowd rejoiced, accepting that responsibility for their prisoner saying “His blood is on us and on our children!”
On the other hand, we have John 13. Jesus, knowing that betrayal and suffering (perpetrated by some of those in the room) waited for him just hours away, “poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” Not just any disciples—he washed Judas’ feet, the man who would betray him, and Peter’s feet, the one who would deny him. He then said, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
These two men both faced difficult situations. One chose to wash his hands, failing to meet the moment with the courage, sacrifice, and care which his position of leadership demanded. The other washed feet. Leaving a lasting image of servant leadership and love that would impact the world for generations. One escaped. The other served.
In Life: The Same Choice
I am willing to bet that you will, or already have faced similar choices. Sometimes they are life and death (like the examples above). Most of the time, though, they emerge in the mundane moments of everyday life.
I remember a disagreement I had with my wife several years ago about how to handle the mountains of leaves in our yard. We live in a bit of forest so every fall we are inundated with foliage and inevitably argue about how to get rid of it all. I wanted to hire someone; she insisted “we” could do it ourselves. She was determined, I disagreed, but when it became clear that it was a lost cause I stepped back (agreeing to let her “win” this battle). Hours later, there she was outside struggling into the night while I stood inside with my arms folded. It was satisfying to be “right,” to leave her to the mess she had created but in doing so I missed my chance to serve. I had washed my hands when I should’ve been washing feet.
I’ve had that same temptation show up at work. Our team was once told to work with another department that we all knew would be a problem. After lots of money and time had been poured in, the project ran into problems (just as we expected). It was tempting for all of us to say, “We told you so.” To bask in the “we knew better” moment that we deserved. This kind of posture lets you disengage. As it fails more, you grow prouder. Prouder you didn’t get involved, prouder that you saw the lost cause coming. But the vindication of being “right” isn’t the highest calling of Christian leadership. Faithful service regardless of the outcome is.
Testimony in the Middle of the Ride
A friend of mine once walked through a painful season with his adult daughter. She had made irreversible decisions that would reshape her life in some very hard ways. When I asked how he was doing, he said:
“Josh, when you get on a roller coaster, sit down, and the seatbelt finally clicks… you have to remember there’s no getting off this ride. You’re going through the ups and downs whether you like it or not. You would do well to remember that at some point, they’re going to take your picture. And when they do, make sure you are smiling.”
He continued, “That photo might be the only thing people remember about you and this season. They know you didn’t have control of the destination, but they’ll remember how you handled yourself while you were going through it. So, how am I doing? I’m hurt, frustrated, and feeling a little self righteous. But I am going to be remembered by how well I love, serve, and show up faithfully for my daughter—because even if I can’t change the situation, I can still leave a testimony.”
That’s what it means to wash feet. You may not control the outcome. But you absolutely control your example. And who knows what God can do with that?
Reflection for Christian Leaders
Where are you tempted to wash your hands and disengage right now?
What would it look like to “wash feet” and serve with excellence even when it’s not your idea?
How will others remember your witness when this ride is over?
Jesus washed feet. Pilate washed hands. You’ll face the same decision in business, in family, in leadership.
One protects your pride. The other preserves your witness. Choose wisely.