It is no secret how much I love Christmas. I keep a Christmas countdown app on my phone. For reference, there are 268 days until Christmas, from today. (You’re welcome).
But Sunday represents everything about us, as Jesus lovers.
Today represents how we are supposed to live our lives, for Jesus.
Serving.
Today is Maundy Thursday, and it is, (for me at least), the most humbling day of the year. The word, “Maundy” derives from the Latin word, “command.”
At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded us to love one another. He also washed the feet of His disciples. Knowing full well He would be betrayed … Jesus still washed their feet.
Through His actions, Jesus showed them we are to serve. He did not just say it; He did it. He showed them, through this act, that we are to humble ourselves and serve.
The exchange between Jesus and Peter is such a picture of grace. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him. Yet He washed Peter’s feet.
“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” - John 13:6-17 (NIV)
Our entire purpose as lovers of Jesus is to serve. We are to wash the feet of the people who will betray us. We are to wash the feet of the people who are unkind to us. This does not mean literally washing their feet. Some people would kick us if we tried that.
But to serve others the way Jesus taught us means to love everyone. Show love to everyone. Not consider anyone else less than us. See every person as God’s precious children. Spending time chatting with the person bagging your groceries. Looking the barista at your coffee shop in the eyes and asking them, “How are you doing?” before giving them your drink order. Letting people know how much you appreciate their work and sacrifices. Being more patient with your spouse. Extending grace to your child who forgets to do something you asked them to do. Checking on the elderly, and spending time on the phone with them, when you have a list of other things to do. Making a meal for someone, and taking it to their front door during this pandemic. Sending flowers to someone on a difficult day. Texting a friend to let them know you are praying for them as they face difficult days.
There are so many feet to wash. Let’s grab a towel and get to it.
The Resurrection of our precious Jesus is why we have hope. Nothing else matters like Jesus.
Let’s live for Him. Day by day, hour by hour, let’s live for Him. And let’s serve.