Today, we read the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. It was an act of extreme humility that caught them off guard. And so he asked them: “Do you realize what I have done for you? … As I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:12,15).
So is this the final lesson? Did Jesus wash his disciples’ feet as a way of calling them to take up a life of humble service? Well, yes and no.
Yes, Jesus did urge his disciples to become humble servants like himself—and he did it in a specially powerful way with this prophetic gesture. But that’s not all he was doing. Look at the way John introduces this story: “Jesus knew that his hour had come… . He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).
Jesus knew that the end was near. Yet rather than spend these final few hours focusing on his own life, he went out of his way to show his disciples how deeply he loved them. He knew that words alone weren’t going to do the job. Words can be forgotten all too easily. So he chose a prophetic gesture that would make a deep impression on them. He chose to perform an act that was reserved for household slaves. He chose an act that would be forever etched in the disciples’ memories as proof of his love and his commitment to them. With this act, Jesus went beyond humility. It was his way of telling them: “I have loved you right up to the end of my earthly days. I have confidence in you. I am entrusting my church to you. Now go and lead others as I have led you.”
Tonight’s liturgy includes a time for the pastor to wash the feet of some of his parishioners. It’s his way of mirroring Jesus. It’s his way of giving us all a sign of how deeply dedicated to us Jesus is, of how strong his love for us is. As this special rite unfolds tonight, imagine that Jesus himself is present, telling all of us: “I love you so much. You can count on me in every situation.”
“Jesus, I am overwhelmed by your love!” - the Word Among Us
--that in all things God may be glorified--
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