"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
John 13:3-5 (ESV)
Jesus was spending the last hours of his time on earth with his disciples. He was giving them their final instructions before his death. They had spent three years together while they watched and listened to Jesus describe and demonstrate the kingdom of God. Now he was going to leave the mission in their hands. The first thing he did in this vitally important meeting was wash their feet. He wanted to leave an image in their minds of what real ministry is all about. Oh, they had seen the miraculous. The wind and waves stopped. A few pieces of bread and some small fish had fed thousands. The sick were healed, the lame had walked, and the dead had been raised. But the final image he wanted left in their minds, was one of self-denying service.
We all know that washing feet in that time was necessary because of the dirty streets and paths. Animals tended to leave their droppings there. It was considered undignified for anyone but the lowest servant to wash feet. Only the poorest of the poor would resort to doing it themselves and only because they had no servants. It was certainly different from our contemporary opening the door and taking someone's coat.
Jesus demonstrates true humility. He is not acting humble. He is displaying a heart that is humble. Big difference! He can joyfully and spontaneously wash their feet because of a confidence he has inside. Insecure people can't be truly humble. They are still concerned about how they will be perceived. Jesus knows some things in his heart that gives him the ability to serve when no one expected it. He knows that the Father has given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God.
When you know who you are in God's estimation and what he has given you, as well as, where you are going, you don't worry about the perception of others. Confidence in identity and purpose allows us to spend ourselves on serving others. Trying to serve before this knowledge will inevitably turn to manipulation and disillusionment. You can't demonstrate the kingdom of God accurately unless you have believed what God says about you as his sons. It is true. We are as surely his sons as Jesus. He has given us everything needed to accomplish our assignment. We are with him now and shall be with him forever. What should we care about others' perception of our status in society?
Washing the disciples' feet was not just a symbol. It was a needed service. We can try to demonstrate God's love by symbolic acts that cost us little or nothing. That might serve to prime the pump, but the kingdom is demonstrated when we are meeting real needs and doing it without regard to our status.
Next time we will delve into the rest of Jesus' last words. For today, would you meditate on the image of ministry Jesus left? What would that look like for you in your situation? Do you need to revisit your concept of your identity and security? It is an awesome privilege to represent the kingdom of God on earth. Let's not only do it right, let's do it with joy.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
