“Do you realize what I have done for you?" - John 13:12
One of the most powerful scenes in all of the gospels is this one from the Gospel of John, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Tension is high around the table; the disciples know that this isn't just another Passover meal. It is no secret that the Jewish leadership is seeking to imprison Jesus or have him killed; Jesus himself has told them as much. And Passover was still considered one of the holiest periods on the Jewish calendar, if not the holiest. Now, before the meal begins, Jesus does something that is almost incomprehensible: he, the rabbi, the teacher, strips off his outer garments and assumes the role of the lowest slave, washing the feet of all those present. And it probably wasn't like having a slave do it, who would perform the task perfunctorily, but tenderly, out of love. Jesus washes the feet of all present, including Judas, who has already arranged to betray him and Jesus knew it, and Peter, who at first wouldn't even let him touch his feet. It is a hard lesson for every one of us to learn. We are called to serve everyone with love - even those who would harm us. No matter what we think of them, we are called to serve them. For to serve with love is our calling, and who knows? It may be just what is needed to save their soul - and yours.
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated. You do not have to agree with the post, but be constructive in your comments. Insulting, antagonistic or inappropriate comments or vulgar language will not be allowed, nor comments unrelated to the post.