Listen

Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.

Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God. So he got up from the table and took off his robes. Picking up a linen towel, he tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing.

John 13:1-5

Think

I am fortunate to be sitting in a seat where I can see all that is taking place. It is Maundy Thursday and the opportunity for feet washing is just starting. It is a simple invitation after the passage is read about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, “There is a person here who is happy to wash your feet. If you would like to wash the feet of someone or have them wash yours, know that you are invited to do so.”

I always find it a powerful moment to watch as couples or friends come up and wash each other’s feet. But personally, I’m most struck when children, from a wide age range, bring their parents up to wash their feet. There is something so powerful about watching the parent, who is most often the nurturer and caretaker, being taken care of by the child.

I think that was what Jesus was modeling for his disciples and for all of us. We are all called to serve and care for each other.

Brian Prior

Question to Ponder:

Who do we know who we can serve today?

Pray

Thank you, God, for those who have unselfishly cared for me. And thank you for the opportunity to serve others.

Amen.

Go

Breathe in all that is behind you, all before you…

Begin your next steps of following Jesus on the journey to the cross.