Topic: Towel and Basin
Take some time and slowly read out loud John 13:12-15.
Here is a thought by Calvin Miller author of “The Christ of Easter.”
The roads in Jesus’ time were unpaved and people wore sandals, covering their feet with the dust and grime of their journey. When it rained, the roads became impassable seas of mud. When it was dry, the dust mixed with sweat to coat their feet and lower legs. So the end of every journey called out for clean feet. But water was often in short supply in the high desert country around Jerusalem.
This “upper room” dining experience seems to have occurred in a very large and well-furnished house. Such houses often had slaves whose task it was to take care of foot washing. It was the holiday season of Passover, however, so the servant might have had the night off. In this servant-less situation, it seems that each of the disciples had considered his station in life and had arrived at the conclusion that he was somewhat above the demeaning task.
Then into the smugness of their pride Jesus came to leave the whole world an example of how each of us might become like Him. We can only follow Him if we are willing to take up His work of the towel and basin. But the servant is never better than his lord. When we confess Jesus as Lord, nothing can never again be beneath our dignity.
Consider these Easter ironies:
- The most menial and lowly task was once performed by the Son of the highest.
- The Messiah of Majesty could stoop to serve the muck and mess of our misery.
- The root of royal Jess could quit being King long enough to play the slave.
Such examples of humility still come from those who understand that servanthood is the stooping mandate of Jesus. The towel and basin are the most suitable symbols of all who follow Christ, of all who would be like Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me take up the towel and basin, never forgetting that I am the servant, and You are the Master. Truly teach me that the servant is never greater than his Lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. What can I do to serve one of your creation this Easter season…even today?
Thank you Clavin Miller for that powerful thought.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem