Read: John 13:1-9
I
have spent my entire adult life in a career in which I am privileged to help
other people. Responding to the needs and crises of others is a big part of
what I do, and I love doing it. So in 2003 when the proverbial shoe was on the
other foot, I struggled to accept the kind of help I had found so much joy in
offering others. My mom’s unexpected illness and death, my wife’s prolonged bed
rest with our fourth child, that child’s premature birth, and another child’s
diagnosis with a chronic disease all left our family reeling and desperate for
help. Because we have been blessed to be a part of loving, Christ-like
congregations, there was never a shortage of individuals willing, wanting and
even demanding to help us. But even as they joyfully and willingly served my
family, I couldn't help feeling bad about the help they were offering.
That
may be the way the disciples felt as Jesus knelt to wash their feet. It was
certainly how Peter felt. His unwillingness to allow Jesus to wash his feet was
a protest against the very humility Jesus said is essential to enter His
Kingdom. Peter rightfully acknowledged
that Jesus should not be the one washing feet.
The idea that the God of the universe, the One who formed the stars and
holds the planets in place, whose hands had made the mountains and carved out
the depths of the oceans, that this very God would kneel before twelve men and
wash their dirty feet is scandalous! It was Peter and the rest of the disciples
who should have been washing Jesus’ feet.
I suspect that Peter knew that if he allowed Jesus to wash his feet, the
tables would be turned, signifying a radically different world order. A world
in which power is not derived by being served, but by serving.
And
there was the problem I faced in 2003. I had come to accept Jesus' invitation
to serve others, not as a sign of humble submission, but as a sign of power. If
I was the one holding the towel, then I was the one in charge. To be on the
receiving end was a sign of weakness and need. Like Peter, my unwillingness to
be served was evidence of pride. And pride, even if it is found in helping
others, will separate you from God. "If I do not wash your feet,"
Jesus told Peter, "you can have no part of me." Peter replied,
"Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head" (John 13:8-9).
Wanting
nothing more than to be with Jesus, Peter relented and allowed Jesus to wash
his feet. I am glad to tell you that I made the same painful choice and it has
made all the difference, not only in how I receive help but in how I offer it
to others.
Do
you have trouble accepting help from other people? Have you ever thought that
perhaps, like Peter, that could be evidence of a pride that is separating you
from God? Are you quicker to pick up the towel than you are to roll up your
pants? Perhaps it’s time to set the water basin down and allow Jesus to teach
you a lesson in humility.
Humble Jesus,
Forgive me for allowing my
service to others to become a source of pride.
Wash away the filth of my
pride and teach me to receive from
You the mercy that will keep
me Your humble servant.
Amen
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