Maundy Thursday

John 13:2b-5 "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."

Here, on this last night of Jesus' life on earth, he does something that the disciples will remember for a long time. Jesus is about to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and he, fully human and fully divine, takes the servant's position and washes the dusty, tired feet of the disciples. I'm sure they were aghast at this sight. This job was reserved for the lowest of all servants in the house, yet, Jesus, whom they had come to believe was the Messiah - and even some had declared to be the very Son of God, was washing feet. Their feet.

Imagine their reactions. At first, Simon Peter denied Jesus' action, saying "You will never wash my feet." I'm sure his response seemed noble. He would not let the Lord be placed in a position below him. This fisherman had seen Jesus in all his glory on the Mount as the veil was taken away and Jesus was transfigured before his eyes. Could he allow the Son of God, this one whose eternal glory was concealed in the flesh of a man, to be a servant to him? Can we blame him for reacting the way he did, not out of disobedience, but out of respect for Jesus' position and honor as the Messiah and the Son of God?

"If I do not wash you, you have no part with me." Jesus' words were simple and direct. Simon Peter who had denied Jesus in this private setting would also deny him later in a public setting. Jesus' words still cut to the quick today. Are we ready to see Jesus not only as our Lord, but also as the servant who washes our feet?

Here, Simon quickly turns and says, "Not only my feet, Lord, but all of me!" What an enthusiastic and obedient heart Simon had! He completely submits to the lesson that Jesus is trying to teach - that we must serve others because that is what Christ has done to us. To become a true disciple of Christ, we must first be washed by the Lord himself, and then we must reach out and perform that same Agape (God-love) act for others.

Whose feet will you wash today?