I experienced my first pedicure seated next to my daughter as she pampered for her first prom. That was years ago, but to this day I still feel compelled to prepare for a pedicure. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. Raise your hand, if like me, you must shave and moisturize your legs before you head to your appointment. As I enjoy the massage chair and special pampering I often think, “I could never do this job.”
Now, let’s picture ourselves in the apostle Peter’s sandals. We learn in John 13 that Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them with the towel tied around Him. As Peter watches his Master approach him, just imagine Peter’s thoughts.
He responds just as I think I would, “Jesus, you’ll never wash my feet.”
Jesus again flips the script on the cultural norms of the day telling Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”
As we read the gospels, isn’t it amazing how often Jesus serves and teaches in one decisive action? Here, He models beautifully the life of a disciple.
On a Walk to Emmaus weekend, we learn that discipleship is a lifestyle of living our faith to the fullest in total response to Jesus Christ as our Savior. We give our heart to God in piety, give our mind to God in study, and give our hands and feet to God in Christian action.
Jesus knew His hour had come and displayed his love for the disciples in one final act of servanthood during the last supper—washing their feet. Though He was their Master and Teacher, Jesus lovingly took on the role of servant and taught us:
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 13:14-16
As we give our hearts and minds to God, we are called to model Jesus’ example–to be servants to others. Peter initially protested Jesus’ actions. Like Peter, do we protest? Do our lives reflect Jesus’ example or do we adhere to societal roles in our daily lives?
Take a moment to reflect on your own walk. Think about all the acts of servanthood that were lovingly offered to ensure you experienced “the best walk ever.” As a community, do we offer those acts of service only during walks or are we serving others daily?
Friends, our Lord and Teacher, our Savior with all authority of God, loved and served His disciples to the very end.
Are we?
De Colores!
Monica