From John 13:1-5
Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come (...) during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded…
Everyone's favourite Holy week text is foot washing, okay the one that gives us most pause. Feet are either a love 'em or hate 'em option. And for many the thought of having to wash another adult's feet, well, fills them with horror. To be fair I am not a feet fan either. Yet when you think about it, it was a normal practice in Jesus' community. Obviously not for a
Rabbi but for servants or slaves. I'd find it rather odd but others think nothing of going for a pedicure and getting their feet washed. But for someone like the Moderator of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland, for example, to wash my feet-now that would be embarrassing and I would do a Peter. (Remember I am a runner!)
So how many of us wouldn't do a Peter and overreact? When we feel out of control, when someone else is running the show and leading us down a route we feel embarrassed, angry, defensive, awkward, lost and often we attempt to wrestle back control.
If Lord you must do this then wash my hands and body too! In our challenging times we are trying to wrestle back control. Another has come and made our lives awkward, uncomfortable even intolerable. We defend and call everyone else out as if no blame lay with us.
Jesus is able to explain himself and reassure Peter. He remains in calm control. He knows what he is doing and why. Perhaps that is something we have lost and the vision of mission is not readily apparent. Our why is not clear for there is no viable picture or achievable smart goal…
Neatly blended into the why is the who. Indeed what is beautiful yet easily overlooked is that whilst that Jesus teaches a valuable lesson, Judas and Peter, both of whom will disown him are included. Betrayal - one with deliberation and the one through self-preservation.
Still Jesus loves them, washes their feet and reminds us all we are called to wash feet and have them washed. To serve and be served.
In all the change that is happening each of us need to ask ourselves how we behaving. Are we like Jesus, that is able to serve and be served? Able to serve even those who betray us on purpose or out of self-preservation? Can we allow ourselves to be served by letting go of buildings, congregations or even ministers? Can we serve by resisting the urge to wrestle back control?
There is much in the process that feels unfair and out of place. But we all play a part in it. The vision God has for us might become apparent if we stop trying to wrestle control from Jesus, and simply let him serve us! After all, Jesus had numerous opportunities to deflect Judas from his path. Instead he trusted in God. We might have to survive Judas in this time of change but even when all seemed bleak and lost, God prevailed.
Easter blessings
Love Sarah
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