Jesus is Lord but He is a Lord whose values defy human understanding, thinking and expectations. Many a time, Man's concept of ruling is "to jump upon other people's heads and be carried high" but Jesus surprises us by giving us the true meaning of ruling in contrast to the general
understanding we have.
Matthew 20:24-26 King James Version (KJV)
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Image by succo from Pixabay
However, in today’s gospel, Jesus who is the Greatest Teacher reverses the order in giving lectures and teaching. He first washes the feet of His disciples and then teaches them on Christian service. He serves them first and then only afterwards, gives them a lecture on how to serve.
Service is doing the will of God. He is the object. All is for Him, for His sake, as unto the Lord, not as unto man. Hence, even the humblest act of the humblest disciple acquires a certain divine quality by it being done with reference to Him.
For the sandal-wearing disciples, washing of feet was a common cultural practice. It was proper hospitality to offer your guests a basin of water for their feet. But guests were usually expected to wash their own feet.
Yet Jesus willingly dropped to His knees in the position of this extra-lowly slave to wash the disciples’ feet in John 13:1–20. The disciples were immediately shocked and seemed, embarrassed by this act of humility. But their surprise should be no surprise to us.
Jesus gave a deeper interpretation to what He did: no servant is greater than the Master and no Messenger is greater than the one who sent him; yet, He whom the disciples call Master had bent low to wash their feet as an example of;
Love towards one another (John 13:12–17),
Humility and Service: Jesus lowered himself into the position of a lowly slave, served like a slave,and washed the disciples’ feet like a lowest-of-the-low slave.
In the first reading, we are told that as part of their missionary journey which in itself is a form of service, Paul and his companions went to the synagogue of Antioch. When Paul was given the opportunity to give an exhortation, he gave a summary of the Monarchical history of Israel and mentioned that Jesus was a direct descendant of King David and for that matter, He too is a King (Read Luke 1:32)
However we see that in the Gospel reading King Jesus rules by bending low; He is the King who rules with a towel in His hands and around His waist, washing people's feet. How well have we as Anglicans received this great Master who bends to serve and how well are we also giving Him to others?
My dear people of God, there is no higher religion than human service. One of the greatest lessons for a highly fulfilling life is to rise from a life spent chasing success to one dedicated to finding significance. And the best way to create significance is to ask yourself one simple question, How may I serve?
What practical lessons can we learn from today's readings as Anglican Faithfuls and Christians?
We rule in the church, work places and homes because we are at the helm of affairs. People look up to us, but let us learn to be as humble as Jesus and as serving as the Lord. Let's try to eschew all forms of pride and arrogance as we deal with people. Let our service-like attitude show in the calm and welcoming way we receive others, how we talk to them, how we let them feel comfortable and consoled. The smile we give them and the patience and willingness with which we offer them our assistance.
Are we part of Christ's chosen ones that will fulfill the scriptures? We wash a lot of feet each day, some may be very dirty but let's do these with cheerful hearts after the example of Christ.
Serving with a willing heart has a reward attached. (Read John 12:26). How willing are we to propagate the gospel and the Anglican church through service? Blessed are we if we do these. (John 13:17)
In conclusion, the rich and affluent will remain in people's memories when they are no more but the loving and serviceable person who touched people's lives will forever remain in people's hearts even when they die. Let's learn from Jesus, the King who rules by bending low.
God bless you. Amen.