Devotional 4-9-09

John 13:1-17

This is it. The time has come.

Jesus is sharing the final meal with his disciples in this scripture lesson for today. And
as they come together for this final meal, Jesus takes off his outer robe, wraps a towel around his waist, and begins to wash each disciple’s feet. As usual the disciples are not sure that they understand the meaning of Jesus’ actions or words, but Jesus explains that they will understand later.

Jesus was acting as host as well as servant to these men he had been teaching and training to continue his work. They would be the ones to spread his message about the love of God and the love of neighbor. They would be the ones to reach out to others in love and service. They would be the ones to share their knowledge of developing relationship with God.

So Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. Foot washing was a common practice in Jesus’ time in that part of the world. It was a way to welcome guests, since a person’s feet would become dusty while walking during a journey. The host would offer water to the guests so they could wash their feet. However, servants would also wash the feet of a guest, if the host requested the service.

Jesus, through his act of service and hospitality, wanted to draw these men into a deeper relationship with himself – and through himself, with God. Jesus wanted the disciples to have a “share” of his life – to participate fully in his life and his ministry, and to feel at home in his relationship with God, so they too could develop and nurture their relationship with the heavenly Father.

Jesus is shown as host and servant in this scripture lesson - but more importantly, he is shown providing an outpouring of love to this group of men he has traveled with and been in relationship with, for the past three years. Jesus changed the world forever, yet he started with just these 12. They continued to spread his message and show his love, after he was resurrected.
And now 2000 years later, it continues with us, as we follow Jesus’ example of host and servant to every one of God’s children we encounter each day. We may not wash feet, but we must continue to show and share God’s love in whatever way we can, so others will continue to see Jesus in what we do and say. Our outpouring of love will continue to keep changing the world, as Jesus showed us how, so all may have the opportunity to know God’s love and grace, and to have the chance to be in relationship with God.

This is it. The time has come. Serve and love. The universe will never be the same.

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Mission Prayer Focus and response:
April 9: Greater Clarksburg Cooperative Parish, Clarksburg; Gayle Lesure, Church and Community Worker
The parish consists of 22 United Methodist Congregations located across the communities of Clarksburg and Bridgeport. They provide funding to assist families in crisis with utility and rent bills. Another important ministry is their food bank.
Today we are praying for the Greater Clarksburg Parish. One of their main ministries is helping folk who cannot pay their utility bills. Give a nickel for every lamp you have in your house.