Love That Doesn't
Make Any Sense
Scripture:
John 13:1
When Peter’s beloved friend,
teacher and One whom he has previously called the “Christ, Son of the Living
God” proceeds to take off his outer clothing and wrap a towel around his waist,
Peter freaks out. “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” And when Jesus said
yes, Peter replies: “No, you shall never wash my feet!”
Peter thought Jesus’ place
was not on the ground. Didn’t Jesus know that the servant of lowest rank was
given this task? Didn’t Jesus know that in this culture service and humility
were despised as attributes of good slaves? Didn’t Jesus know that acts of
humility like this were seen as signs of weakness? Didn’t Jesus know that his
position and reputation as a man in society would be seriously damaged from
this point on when word got out that he was now in the foot-washing business?
Jesus knew the disciples had
no clue why he was humbling himself in this manner. When they recalled this
night weeks, months and years after the fact, they still might be scratching
their heads about it all. Yet, he did it anyway; he was showing them a love
that didn’t make sense.
Jesus knew his act of love
would be in no way paid back. Our text never tells us that any of the disciples
washed Jesus’ feet. Yet, he washed their feet anyway; he was showing them a
love that didn’t make any sense.
Jesus knew that Judas, the
one who would soon hand Jesus over to the chief priests and authorities, was
sitting at the table. Soon Jesus would feel the pains of betrayal at their
deepest level from Judas’ feet. Yet, Jesus washed Judas' feet anyway; he was
showing his disciples a love that didn’t make any sense.
This is the love of Jesus
that we are called to show to our community this day. How might a love that
doesn't make any sense lead you in service to others?
Prayer: Servant Lord,
we thank you for your great outpouring of love for us both at the basin and on
the cross. Teach us to get off our lofty stools and on to the floor, not so
that others can abuse us or mistreat us, but so that we can be instruments of your
love. AMEN.
The Reverend Elizabeth Hagan
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