Servant of God II

Hi,
Here's the second of 2 reflections I've written recently for our local church's lenten book.
Enjoy!
SB

Christ - the Servant King.
Reading: Jesus washes the feet of the disciples: John 13: 1-11

As Jesus washes the feet of the disciples we recall his great commandment to “love one another.” Jesus loved humanity in all its broken, dirty smelliness even as he performed an act of servant hood for his disciples in washing their feet: feet which had pounded the pavements and dusty roads of Jerusalem in open sandals. This was an act a servant would normally perform: certainly not one for a revered teacher and leader who had ridden into Jerusalem to great acclaim only 4 short days before.

Jesus’ disciples are shocked at this suggestion: Peter says “you will never wash my feet.” But Jesus responds: Unless I wash you, you have no share in me.” To accept Christ is to accept him as a servant: one who ministers to the deepest and most intimate needs. To follow him is to accept not only his ministrations but also his ministry and mission. South African Bishop Desmond Tutu once said: “God has no hands but our hands, no feet but our feet.” To follow Jesus is to use our hands and feet to live the costly and difficult life of a servant to others.

Around the world today many Christians will perform foot washing ceremonies to remember Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. In doing so, they remember their baptismal commitment into the mission of Christ to honour his great commandment to love one another.