An Examination and Comparison of John 13:1-20 and Servant Leadership in the Context of Humility

This study investigated the relationship between Jesus Christ's leadership style as demonstrated in John 13:1-20 and principles of the contemporary leadership style known as servant leadership in the context of leader humility in the context of humility. The findings of the study can lay the groundwork for promoting and nurturing the virtue of humility among service-oriented leadership programs; particularly that of Greenleaf's servant leadership. Since, some in servant leadership have identified Jesus Christ as the archetypical servant leader and humility, is prominent in both the biblical and servant leadership models, it would seem only fitting to have actions and/or curriculum specifically designed toward enhancing humility in the development of service oriented leadership programs.;Following a three article structure, the first article laid the groundwork for the approach taken in article three with a historical overview of biblical hermeneutics leading up to the contemporary approach known as postmodern hermeneutics. The second article produced an exegetical examination of John 13:1-20 using a discourse analytical approach. Finally, the third article consisted of comparing the findings of John 13:1-20 and servant leadership in the context of humility using a content analysis approach. The study established a common thread, namely humility, between John 13:1-20 and servant leadership thereby establishing a foundation from which to build upon the servant leadership paradigm.;As demonstrated by the data, Jesus Christ displayed the servant leadership element of humility when washing the disciple's feet as recorded in John 13. However, the understanding of humility is enhanced by revealing the foundation for humble actions. According to John 13, the motivation for Jesus' action of humble service in washing the disciples' feet was love (i.e.,alphagammaalphapialphao) for those he served. Therefore, it is recommended that future servant leadership programs include elements that develop leader humility as these are presented in the Bible and practiced by Jesus Christ. Since alphagammaalphapialphao ("to love") is identified in John 13 as the basis and motivation for acts of humility, increasing alphagammaalphapialphao leading to humility should be included in the goals of servant leadership programs.