Thursday

On Thursday, Jesus undoubtedly felt a sense of emotional heaviness. John 13:1 says, “Jesus knew that his hour had come…” Though not explicitly mentioned, we know that the term “his hour” refers to his crucifixion. This makes the events that took place at The Last Supper all the more remarkable. Jesus did not use these last precious hours for personal enjoyment or rest. Jesus used these last precious hours to serve.

“He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with a towel that was wrapped around them.” In Jewish culture, foot washing was reserved for household servants. Not only that, it was a task that the lowest-ranking servant of a household would undertake. In a formal dining situation, which this most certainly was, this task should have been completed upon arrival by the household servant, but that wasn’t what happened at the Last Supper. Jesus sees this and breaks from his place at the table to do what needs to be done. In so doing, Jesus communicates a core truth of what it means to be one of his followers. Jesus communicates to you and me that the calling of every follower of Jesus is one of servanthood. We serve because Jesus served.

This was not just a teaching moment for the disciples. Every single act in this gesture of servanthood paralleled with his mission here on Earth. He “rose from supper.” Jesus rose from his throne in heaven, a place of rest and comfort. He “laid aside his garments.” Jesus laid aside his glory, taking off his heavenly covering. He "took a towel and tied it around his waist.” Jesus took the form of a servant and came ready to work. He "poured water into a basin.” Jesus poured out his blood to cleanse us from the guilt and penalty of sin. He “sat down again.” Jesus sits now at the right hand of God the Father after finishing the work on the cross.

The washing of the disciples’ feet was the final parable that Jesus communicated to the disciples. A parable that shows us the lengths God will go to do what needs to be done. A parable that teaches us to love one another as Jesus loved us. A parable that challenges us to continue that same act of love and servanthood with the people around us. This is what Jesus chose to do right before he was to be crucified.

For a full account of the events of this day, see Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12–72, Luke 22:7–71, John 13:1–18:27.

Reflection Questions

1. What does this teach you about how to serve people?
2. How can you serve the people in your life today? Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about this.

Prayer

Jesus, I don’t know where to begin when it comes to your love. Thank you for taking the form of a servant and for loving me in the middle of my mess. Help me, Lord, to love and serve people the way you did. Give me eyes to see the opportunities that lie ahead of me today. In your name, I pray, Amen.