Tuesday 08 July 2008
- Bible Book:
- John
"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. For I have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you." (v.12-15)
Background
This passage is most often read on Holy Thursday (the day beforeGood Friday) during the week when Christians celebrate the eventsleading to the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is also the daywhen the Queen distributes coins to as many deserving men and womenas she is years old. In churches throughout the world leaders washthe feet of members of their congregation. This is done to rememberthe new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples - "love oneanother ... just as I have loved you" (John 13:34).
To understand John's Gospel, it's vital to appreciate that it waswritten many years after the events described actually happened.The early Church was undergoing increasing persecution. John's wayof recording the events had a special meaning for the earlyChristians within the 'house of faith'.
Today's passage describes a drama that took place at the LastSupper. It fits perfectly with this week's theme of 'The Yoke ofObedience'. Jesus was most assured in who he was and what he cameto do. At this point he humbles himself, serves those who call him'Teacher' and 'Lord' and subjects himself to the will of theFather.
The interaction between Peter and Jesus is full of meaning. Anintensely personal drama within a wider act is being played out.After the Resurrection it would all make sense. Peter was to makethe example of Jesus his own if he was to be one with Jesus. ThenPeter asks Jesus to wash his head and hands, as well as his feet,and Jesus makes a difficult to understand response - "One who hasbathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirelyclean. And you are clean, though not all of you" (verse 10). Is itpossible that the words of Jesus refer to baptism?
After this, Jesus speaks about the impending betrayal and denial bythose who followed him. Both as the Son of God, and as a humanfaced with a difficult time ahead, Jesus stresses the significanceof the humble act of service that he offered his disciples. Jesusasks that we copy him.
To Ponder
Why is it that we often find it easier to givethan to receive? If you had been Peter, how would you havereacted?
How might you write to a fellow Christian in acountry where Christians are persecuted about your faith inGod?
We might go to a hospice in order to care orcomfort someone who is dying from a terminal illness. How might wealso receive from them?