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. – John 13:3-5
It was their last meal together. In just a few hours Jesus would be dead. Of course, this was not something the disciples knew. They could not see that this was a holy moment. They were preoccupied by the same old questions: Who would get to sit next to Jesus? Who had access to the wine? And who would have to clean up afterwards? Jesus shattered their conceptions of what the night would be like when he took off his robe, poured water into a basin, and began to wash their feet. Jesus was supposed to be the guest of honor, but he took on the role of humble host. He had been teaching them about servant-leadership; now he was embodying it. They didn’t understand until later, after he was gone. The holy moments are occurring around us all the time, but we do not have the vision to see them. Maybe the Gospel writer wants us to know that we would see well if we served well.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, you are present with us always, yet we take that presence for granted. Forgive us, and give us a humble heart that we might serve and eyes of faith that we might see. Amen.
Bill Britt
