Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.
– John 13:3-4
We usually notice when friends do something that, for one reason or another, seems out of place. Perhaps it is a contrast from their usual character or temperament, or maybe they do something that would be considered unusual in a particular situation. When you observe them, the question pops into your mind: “What are they doing?” You might just keep silent and let your curiosity linger, or you might be bold enough to inquire about their behavior, thus giving your friend an opportunity to explain what otherwise seems odd.
Imagine you are one of the friends gathered with Jesus in a large upper room sharing the Passover meal. You and the other disciples have spent much of the last three years together. During that time you have seen and heard many unexpected things from Jesus. It is not unusual now. You have also grown comfortable asking him about things. So what do you do when you notice that Jesus has gotten up from the table? Probably nothing at first. But then you observe him quietly removing his outer garments and placing them aside. He then takes a towel, wraps it around his waist, and takes a water bowl in his hand. Whatever he is doing, it seems out of the norm. You still may not say anything, but you are watching.
What you see next makes your curiosity skyrocket. Jesus kneels down and begins washing the feet of those at the table. Not only are your curious, you might now even be a bit uncomfortable. At first you simply watch. He starts with “Big James,” the brother of John. James is too involved in conversation to notice who is washing his feet. Next Jesus goes to Matthew. Matthew is a noticer. He gives Jesus a surprised look, but Jesus’ eyes meet his and convey a calm reassurance. After two or three others, Jesus comes to you. Do you say anything? Do you let him wash your feet, or prevent him from doing so. Like others before you, you allow Jesus this act of kindness, even if you don’t understand why he is doing it.
Soon you see that Jesus is coming to Peter. In your mind you think, “I have a denarius that says Peter speaks up.” You would be correct. It is possible up to this point that Peter hasn’t noticed what Jesus is doing. Now that Jesus is at his feet, Peter makes his feelings known. Honestly, you are glad he does. Though he may be a bit more dramatic about it, Peter is expressing what all of you are thinking. What is Jesus doing washing feet? A person of such importance shouldn’t be doing a servant’s job, right? Further, what does that say about those of us who let him do it?
Once he has made his way around the table, Jesus resumes his place and begins an explanation. He affirms that you have not misinterpreted his status. The mistake you have made is to think that people of greatness do not serve. It may be that way in the world, but in the Kingdom of God such things get flipped on their head. As Jesus speaks your mind runs through things you’ve heard him say previously. “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45), and “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). You realize Jesus has been teaching this lesson all along. Now he has shown you what he has been telling you, and insists that you will do well to follow his example.
We often imagine Jesus clothed in things that reflect his majesty, like a robe and a crown. What we must never lose is the image of Jesus clothed in a towel. If we lose that, we truly have lost our understanding of who he was. The apostle Paul writes to the church (Philippians 2:5) saying, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus….” What attitude? The willingness to wear a towel.
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 