Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:3-5
“For it is love that best describes what Jesus does when he fetches bowl and water, jug and towel. It is not simply the humility of the God who is on his knees, nor the lesson in service of the master who behaves like a slave, but the love of one who is generous, warm, impulsive and affectionate in his loving.
Jesus is not giving an object lesson in good relations. Nor is he acting out a sort of parable. He is doing it because he wants to do it. He is doing it because the tired, hot, sweaty feet in need of washing are the feet that belong to his friend, his close companions, his adopted family. It is an act of love, generous, embarrassing, natural love.
We must not imagine for a moment a solemn ecclesiastical ritual. This is a joyful act of self-giving…People will know that there is something of Christ in you if there is a warmth, a joy, a natural affection, an impulsive generosity breaking out in all your human relationships.”
Michael Perham in The Way of Christ-Likeness: Being Transformed by the Liturgies of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter (London: Canterbury Press, 2016) 63.
Today in Holy Week is known as Maundy Thursday, the day we recount this scene where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. Perham rightly notes that this is not an empty or solemn ritual but something that is filled with so much love and generosity that it is embarrassing to the recipients.
Jesus not doing it because he has to do it. Jesus is fully aware of his power and position, and yet he takes the form of a servant and ministers to the most smelly, messy and dirty needs of those he loves. Do we? As I travel home today, I think about the many humble servants of God who ministered to me across the Philippines this week. Their generous love toward me was humbling, even embarrassing at times. They thought of everything. Let’s live likewise!
Father in heaven, fill us so full of your love and power so that we know where we stand with you and what we have in you, so that we will empty ourselves in generous kindness toward others, knowing that your abundant love with give us the strength to do this. Make it so, Lord Jesus. Amen.
And please restore my strength, Holy Spirit, as I have emptied myself in service and need a restful, refreshing, and safe journey home to Colorado.