Lenten Reader | Day 35

March 25th, 2024

Now That You Know

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:3-17

I have lived in Africa for almost 20 years. The Bible reads differently to me now, and this passage is an example. In our Kenyan culture, there are less “identity crises.” Everyone knows where they fall in the societal pecking order. Important people drive fancy cars, they sit in special seats (even in church), they are greeted in honor-giving ways. I have lowered my head to a Maasai elder as he placed his hand on me in blessing. I totally get why Peter was horrified at Jesus getting on his knees and washing his dirty feet. It must have been downright embarrassing!

Today’s story is framed in Jesus’s identity. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; SO he got up and…” He was the important person in the room but didn’t hesitate to serve.

I pause at Jesus’s statement, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” What things? Washing feet? Calling Jesus “Teacher” and “Lord?” Seems important to think about if we want to be blessed.

But whatever it is we’re supposed to be doing, it has something to do with our identity as Jesus’ disciples and with being clean (salvation), but it needs to be done frequently and to/for/by each other no matter where we fall in the pecking order. Are “these things” forgiveness, or sanctification, or service?

Maybe Paul figured it out: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another … as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love…” Colossians 3:12-14.

Let’s use this Lenten season to gain confidence in our identity so we can serve and be served as Paul describes, no matter how important (or not) we are.

Theresa Manchester