Week 5 - March 22 - Loving & Serving Others

John 13:1-7

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.”

This week we are going to take a quick excursion to the Gospel of John.

This gospel is a bit of a wild card. It was probably written slightly later than Mark, Matthew, and Luke, and yet does not seem to use them as direct references. In John, Jesus doesn’t do or say many of the things he does and says in the Synoptic gospels, while other stories and speeches are added. The pacing, locations, and structure of Jesus’ life is also different. But it nonetheless provides a historically and theologically integral lens through which we can view Jesus and his ministry.

One of the most beautiful parts of John is the narrative of the night before Jesus is crucified. In John, Jesus’ actions and conversation with his disciples cover over five chapters. The night begins with a meal. But instead of speaking the words that institute the Lord’s supper, like in the other gospels, Jesus does something surprising.

His friends are gathered at the table to eat a meal before the Passover. In the middle of the meal, Jesus himself engages in a humble act of hospitality towards his disciples. As we have talked about, washing and anointing feet, before a meal especially, was a common practice during the time when wearing sandals on dusty roads would have made for a particularly messy home and dining area. However, it was not something the host did themselves, rather it was the job for lower staff or members of the household. But Jesus is always flipping the expectations of those around him. So it is he who takes off his robe, assumes the position of a servant, and carefully washes the feet of his friends. And he dries them with the towel he had wrapped around him. He is not washing their feet with a disgusted or hesitant or reluctant attitude, gingerly holding the dirty towel as far away from him as possible. He is coming into full contact with their mess, and absorbing what he can in order to leave them clean.

Peter, per usual, does not quite understand. He is confused about how Jesus–this incredible teacher, healer, miracle worker, clearly holy and learned man, whom Peter has been loyally following for years–is presenting himself. How could Jesus be the one to wash his feet? But Jesus calmly replies that he knows what he is doing, and Peter needs to trust him.

Jesus is more explicit about his actions later on in the narrative. But in this moment, we are left with the question Peter implies: “Why would someone with influence and power, or even a modicum of self-respect, act like a servant?”

And in this moment, we are reminded that love is not merely an abstract emotion. It is not something we feel, that comes and goes, as transient as the weather. Love is an act of service. It might be humble, low to the ground, something easily considered beneath us, but nevertheless it is tangible care we show for another. It is a powerful act that Jesus does now for his friends. He serves them the night before he dies for them. He models love in action, as hospitality and as care, before modeling love as making the ultimate sacrifice. If he’s willing to give his life for their sake, for all of our sakes, then he can easily kneel down and wash their feet.  Like Peter, even if we don’t understand, Jesus is inviting us to accept and believe that Jesus’ radical act of love is for us as well.

What does love look like when it serves quietly?
Whose feet do you need to wash, and who do you need to allow to wash your feet?