” And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off His outer robe, and tied a towel around Himself. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around Him.
After He had washed their feet, had put on His robe, and had returned to the table, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.’” --- John 13:3-5, 12-16
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Yet another amazing a beautiful thing occurs between Jesus and His disciples on this night. The Living God in the form of Jesus Christ, stoops down to the lowliest of positions and washes His disciples’ feet.
This act of service has such a deep meaning, not only to those around Him who experienced this moment, but to us today. During this time in history, we have to remember that everybody wore sandals, if they had shoes at all. This meant that the dusty and muddy conditions of the roads, paths and fields caused peoples’ feet to be in a constant state of “dirty”. Not only that, but the wear and tear of the feet of that time was great; no comfy slippers or cushy running shoes…no Vibram soles on sturdy walking shoes or work boots. Feet took a beating. Therefore, the act of cleansing a person’s feet with gentle hands, drying them with a soft cloth, was an especially refreshing an healing experience.
When I think about the beauty of this day…the celebration of the Last Supper and of Jesus’ humble act…it reminds me how infrequently I actually take the time to serve others and, most importantly, serve in a humble way. Yes, I help and my church with Sunday School, as a reader, usher or greeter and with the occasional set up or clean up at a meal. The Jehoshua House prison ministry I participate in is also a way to serve. But, do I truly ever place myself in a position where I submit my all with deep and obvious humility? How can we do this?
Christ calls upon us to serve each other. And, not only does He call upon us in this way, He also shows us that even He, a King, is not beyond serving. We all bring something different to the table which we can use to serve . We can use our time, talents and treasure to offer what we have been given and show our appreciation for the gift that Jesus gave us in His teachings, His miracles and His ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus, when speaking with His friends after this simple meal which we still celebrate today during Communion, in remembrance of Him, offers to us His final and most important words of guidance; “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” What greater form of service is there than simply loving one another?
So, serve each other. Do this in remembrance of Jesus, with humility and true love. For, when we love one another, we put others before and above ourselves, and this is the greatest way to heed Christ’s call to us to serve.
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