John 13:1-17
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already decided that Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, would betray Jesus. 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 supper, 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. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, 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. Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:1-17 (NRSVUE)
The love story that God has for us human beings continues! From the last part of verse 1: Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Jesus shows this love when he puts himself into the role of servant, washing the feet of his disciples. They, especially Peter, are uncomfortable with Jesus doing such a thing.
Lots of us like to think of ourselves as people who serve. Needing to be served seems to be harder for us. We give help, but we don’t ask for it. We tell people we are praying for them, but we do not seek prayer for ourselves. Why is receiving help, that is being served, so hard?
Jesus does not give us a choice. The love that God has for us is made manifest in Jesus and he reveals it by serving us and, finally, laying down his life for us. He does not ask us if it is ok for him to do so. He does not ask if we want him to do so. He just does it. For he is Lord of us, even as he serves by laying down his life for us.
All of it leaves us with no choice but to receive that which God gives us in Christ. God delivers this love story into our lives, making us a part of it. Drawn in, we find ourselves doing the same. Serving others.
But only because God first served us! And does. And promises to always.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you ask for help easily? Why or why not?
- There is never a time when we do not need God’s mercy and grace, or our feet to be washed. How is this humbling? How is this good news?
Prayer:
Good and gracious God, I need you. I admit it! You give your life for the sake of mine; grant me joy in living. Open my eyes to the ways my neighbor is serving me and grant me the grace to receive it. Guide me in serving my neighbor. For the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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