Jesus’ Dealings With His Disciples

18. (a) How do some react to those working under them? (b) How did Jesus treat his disciples and others? (Mark 6:54-56)

¹⁸ At times people in authority feel threatened by their subordinates. They stifle what they subconsciously sense to be competition. Pride comes to the fore. They are quick to criticize and slow to commend those who work under them. Their expressions of disdain fail to respect the personal dignity of others. But what about Jesus​—how did he treat those under him, his disciples? Were they made to feel inferior, incompetent, or stupid? Or, rather, did they feel at ease working along with Jesus?​—Compare Matthew 11:28-30; 25:14-23.

19. What does John 13:1-17 teach us about Jesus?

¹⁹ In this respect, one of the outstanding lessons that Jesus taught his disciples is found in John chapter 13. We suggest that you read Joh 13 verses 1 to 17. In those days the roads were dusty, and it was the custom to have a servant wash the visitors’ feet. Jesus took that menial task upon himself. What is the quality that he highlighted by washing his disciples’ feet? He gave them a practical lesson in humility. What do we learn here about the mind of Christ? Jesus’ words give the answer: “A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one that is sent forth greater than the one that sent him. If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”​—John 13:16, 17.

21. How did Jesus show fellow feeling toward his apostles? Toward the crowd?

²¹ On one occasion, after a special preaching campaign, Jesus showed great consideration for the apostles. Although perfect, Jesus did not expect perfection from others. At the end of a preaching campaign, he did not insist that the apostles immediately go back to their preaching and do even better. He was considerate of their need for rest and took them to a lonely place for privacy. But when the crowd followed them, did Jesus get annoyed and impatient? No, for “his heart went out to them,” the account tells us.​—Mark 6:30-34, The New English Bible.