John 13:1-20 has one of my favorite stories of Jesus and His incredible teachings.
“(Jesus) got up from the table,[a] took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.” John 13:4-5
Jesus is giving the disciples and us an example of life. Life in humble service to others. In this short chapter, He shows us how He serves and asks us to follow this lead. But, how many times is our reaction like St. Peter? Far from saintly. “Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” John 13:8. We have the pride filled hearts that won’t even allow Jesus to show us the way. We know we are better than the others when He kneels before us. We tell Him so in our hardness of prayer and words and actions.
This is me. So many times I have this reverse humility, “oh no! You won’t wash my feet!” Thumping my chest in fained holiness and humility. I am ashamed. To open my eyes and break through the pride stones of my heart, Jesus shames me as He did Peter. “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” (V. 8).
This is all part of His lesson though.
So many times I’ve been privileged to be part of this scene. So many times Jesus has put me in a position of leadership to show me this lesson live as well as let me live it. And, when it comes my turn to wash the feet, I am so very humbled and uplifted. As the moment transpires before my eyes and at my hands, every time I cry with broken heart over my pride.
When you see this scene acted out on a retreat or on Holy Thursday, do you see Jesus at the feet of the apostles? Do you see Jesus kneeling at your feet when you’re asked to lead?
““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. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.” John 13:12-16
