Journey Through Holy Week With the Archbishop of CanterburySample

Power is a theme that runs throughout the events of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, the crowds cheer for Jesus, hoping he will be the powerful freedom fighter who will liberate Israel from the Romans. This alarms both the religious and political authorities, who mistrust one another but who will eventually use their combined power to put Jesus to death. Power here is about domination and manipulation – power over others.

But in Jesus, we see something completely different. As he prepares for his own death, Jesus shocks his disciples by washing their feet – a job reserved for those of lower status.

John begins the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet by reminding us of Jesus’ incomparable power:

‘Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God’
(John 13:3)

He goes on:

'so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.’
(John 13:4)

Notice that John says ‘so’, rather than ‘but’. Jesus doesn’t wash his friends’ feet despite having power, but because of it. Jesus’ power finds its fullest expression when he gives it away – something we will see again on the cross.

It is a fragile moment. Jesus knows that his friends are about to abandon and betray him. This act of love won’t be reciprocated, at least in the short term. But he reimagines how human beings can relate to one another – power is not something to be grasped, relationships are sacrificial.

In a world where the pursuit of power so often damages relationships and hurts the earth, we urgently need to hear this story afresh. More than that, we need the Holy Spirit to inspire us to loosen our grasp on power, to be part of turning our upside-down world the right way up.

Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect:

• Where do you notice that the pursuit of power causes conflict or hurts relationships?
• Is there an act of service you could do for someone you find difficult?