After Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said:
Do you understand what I have done?13 You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am.14 And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. 15 I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. 16 I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them.17 You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them. John 13:12-17 (CEV)
“Do you understand what I have done?” Jesus asks. If I look at what most of us do in the Church when it comes to communion and fellowship, especially those of us in leadership, the answer is, with great shame, “No, Jesus.”
Jesus is our LORD (Master) and He sends us. There is NO ONE in the Church today who is greater than the message they’ve been given to share nor are they greater than the One who gave them the message. Whether we are a pastor or teacher, evangelist or prophet, or apostle, if we have been given a message to deliver to God’s children, we should be on our knees in humility and holy fear. And when the message has been given, those listening should remember nothing but the message and that it came from God. We are only an instrument in the hand of our extraordinary God.
Jesus washed the feet of all. Jesus washed the feet of every disciple. He washed Peter’s feet even when Peter initially refused; even though Jesus knew Peter would reject Him not just once but three times! He washed their feet even though He knew those same feet would flee and desert Him. “Who me? No, I don’t know anything about this Jesus.” And Jesus washed the feet of Judas Iscariot who would turn Him over to those who intended to kill Him. Jesus gives me a clear message: I am to be a servant of all! Whatever and wherever God sends me, I will be a conduit of His Word, His grace, and His mercy.
Jesus paid the price of reconciliation. I have a relationship with Father God because of what Jesus has done. Jesus has made it possible for all to come and meet and be with the Father for all eternity. Whether child, teenager, young adult, middle age homeless person or a senior saint who has been in the church longer than they can remember, they are God’s children and loved by Him.
Do we feed the homeless during the week but hope none of them show up on Sunday? Is our Sunday service all about making members comfortable and happy or about worshiping our LORD? Do we say prayer is important but then only give a perfunctory “Amen” to the pastor’s prepared 60-second prayer?
This is Holy Week. Have I given God any time even though He gave His Son for my sins? Or is it business as usual? What does Jesus’ death and resurrection mean in my every day life? Will I read this Scripture and just move on without any further thought?
Stop. Think. And when you come together for supper tonight, think of what Jesus meant about God blessing those who do what He did. In our homes, may we serve each other and worship our LORD with all we say and do. And when we come together in our church fellowship, may our eyes be open and our spirit’s willing to worship God in prayer, in music, in hearing His Word and in doing something kind to someone we meet. May we consider others needs before our own. May we bring glory to God!
Agnus Dei written and sung by Michael W Smith
