The Gospel account tonight is different from the other Gospel accounts that are found in the Synoptic Gospels. While the meal takes place on the same night, the other accounts focus more on the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. The commemorative symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for us that we practice each Sunday in remembrance.
John’s account of the last meal and foot washing has a different message than the others. John’s account takes a different perspective, as he prepares his followers for his death, he demonstrates a new way to live in this power-hungry world. A world with decidedly different values than that which will embody the kingdom Jesus came to earth to institute.
Tonight we are going to have a foot-washing. Many are not comfortable with foot-washing. Some have never experienced it; for some taking off our shoes and socks in and of itself can be a task and maybe the embarrassment of having to do it in front of others is too much. I understand that. It is humbling and weird and few, if any of us, have ever really had someone wash our feet for us at least not on a regular basis. But I encourage you to come if you can.
We are told in this account that Satan put it into Judas’ heart to betray him. Judas’ acted because of evil that was able to seep in.
Jesus shows us through his example tonight (both to us and to his disciples) how to counter the effects of Satan or evil, in the world.
Jesus shows us how to be, both with love and humility. Even in the midst of knowing that Judas was going to betray him, Jesus washed Judas’ feet.
This seems like such a simple thing we may too easily gloss over. But how many of us would be able to show this type of love to someone whom we knew did not have our best interest in heart and was going to actively do something to harm us?
Jesus disrobing and washing the disciples feet; taking on the task of what would be delegated to the lowliest of servants and usually a woman; was hard for the disciples, to be able to accept this act from Jesus. Peter proclaimed, “Not me, Lord - You will never wash my feet”.
Jesus explains that if Peter wants to live as Jesus is asking, that he must have his feet washed, Peter then enthusiastically agrees. Peter was all in. Peter is an interesting figure to watch during the Passion; he facilities between one extreme and another with Jesus. From tonight’s declaration and others where he so wants to be a part of Jesus, and then to denying him.
Jesus gives a full explanation after the washing, “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.” (13:12-14).
Jesus is teaching them about what we are to be like in this world. Jesus, Lord and Teacher from God, disrobes, kneels and cleanses their feet. Your are not to just love one another, you are to serve one another.
Our instructions are not to just “love God and love neighbor as ourselves”, but a concrete way to resist evil in the world is taught here. In community, through our love for one another, demonstrated by our service to one another. We should be known by not just our love, but by our humility; our servanthood. If we are not serving one another, than what are we doing?
It can be hard. Serving one another requires some sacrifice and humility. Honestly it will be a lot harder than washing each other’s feet. Foot washing is symbolic of how we are to serve one another. How we are to treat one another. Making others more important than ourselves, seeing their needs and attempting to meet them to the best of our ability.
Tonight, who do you need to humble yourself before? Whose feet may you need to wash? Love and humility are two powerful forces.
May God give us strength and courage to live into this new covenant. Amen.
John’s account of the last meal and foot washing has a different message than the others. John’s account takes a different perspective, as he prepares his followers for his death, he demonstrates a new way to live in this power-hungry world. A world with decidedly different values than that which will embody the kingdom Jesus came to earth to institute.
Tonight we are going to have a foot-washing. Many are not comfortable with foot-washing. Some have never experienced it; for some taking off our shoes and socks in and of itself can be a task and maybe the embarrassment of having to do it in front of others is too much. I understand that. It is humbling and weird and few, if any of us, have ever really had someone wash our feet for us at least not on a regular basis. But I encourage you to come if you can.
We are told in this account that Satan put it into Judas’ heart to betray him. Judas’ acted because of evil that was able to seep in.
Jesus shows us through his example tonight (both to us and to his disciples) how to counter the effects of Satan or evil, in the world.
Jesus shows us how to be, both with love and humility. Even in the midst of knowing that Judas was going to betray him, Jesus washed Judas’ feet.
This seems like such a simple thing we may too easily gloss over. But how many of us would be able to show this type of love to someone whom we knew did not have our best interest in heart and was going to actively do something to harm us?
Jesus disrobing and washing the disciples feet; taking on the task of what would be delegated to the lowliest of servants and usually a woman; was hard for the disciples, to be able to accept this act from Jesus. Peter proclaimed, “Not me, Lord - You will never wash my feet”.
Jesus explains that if Peter wants to live as Jesus is asking, that he must have his feet washed, Peter then enthusiastically agrees. Peter was all in. Peter is an interesting figure to watch during the Passion; he facilities between one extreme and another with Jesus. From tonight’s declaration and others where he so wants to be a part of Jesus, and then to denying him.
Jesus gives a full explanation after the washing, “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.” (13:12-14).
Jesus is teaching them about what we are to be like in this world. Jesus, Lord and Teacher from God, disrobes, kneels and cleanses their feet. Your are not to just love one another, you are to serve one another.
Our instructions are not to just “love God and love neighbor as ourselves”, but a concrete way to resist evil in the world is taught here. In community, through our love for one another, demonstrated by our service to one another. We should be known by not just our love, but by our humility; our servanthood. If we are not serving one another, than what are we doing?
It can be hard. Serving one another requires some sacrifice and humility. Honestly it will be a lot harder than washing each other’s feet. Foot washing is symbolic of how we are to serve one another. How we are to treat one another. Making others more important than ourselves, seeing their needs and attempting to meet them to the best of our ability.
Tonight, who do you need to humble yourself before? Whose feet may you need to wash? Love and humility are two powerful forces.
May God give us strength and courage to live into this new covenant. Amen.