The Radical Love of Jesus
Have you ever been shocked by an act of kindness that seemed completely out of place? Imagine walking into a church and seeing the pastor washing people's feet at the door. This would be surprising, but also a powerful echo of an even more shocking moment in history.
The Scandalous Servant-King
Just before the Passover Festival, Jesus did something that left his disciples speechless. John 13:3-5 tells us:
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.
This wasn't just a nice gesture - it was a radical reversal of social norms. In first-century Jewish culture, foot washing was one of the most menial tasks, usually reserved for the lowest servants. For Jesus, the divine Son of God, to take on this role was utterly shocking.
The Full Extent of God's Love
Why did Jesus do this? John gives us a clue in the opening verse of this chapter: "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end" (John 13:1). This act of service was a vivid demonstration of the full extent of God's love.
But there's more to the story. Luke's Gospel reveals that just before this, the disciples had been arguing about which of them was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). Jesus' response? He doesn't just tell them to be humble - he shows them.
Songwriter Michael Card describes it like this:
This is a pivotal moment... in that Jesus finally gives up on words. He has told them numerous parables about slaves, now he will portray the most humiliating of slave roles, the washing of feet. Even after three long years of his often bizarre and indescribable behavior, the disciples are befuddled by the inappropriate behavior that leaves them speechless.
Loving the Unlovable
But here's where it gets even more radical. John 13:10-11 tells us:
"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.
Jesus knew that Judas was about to betray him. Yet he didn't exclude him from this act of love and service. This is what it looks like to truly love your enemies, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:43-44.
The Challenge for Us
After washing their feet, Jesus explains:
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 (John 13:14-15).
Jesus isn't necessarily calling us to literally wash feet (though some churches do practice this). Rather, he's calling us to a life of radical, self-sacrificing love and service - even to those who may hurt us or work against us.
So how do we live this out?
Serve the "least of these": Look for opportunities to serve those who are often overlooked or marginalized in your community.
Love your enemies: Is there someone who has hurt you? Pray for them and look for ways to show them kindness.
Embrace humility: Like Jesus, be willing to take on tasks that others might consider "beneath" them.
Sacrifice for others: Consider how you can use your resources (time, money, skills) to benefit others, even at a cost to yourself.
Remember, as Jesus said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:17). The path of humble service may not be easy, but it leads to true blessing and a deeper understanding of God's love for us.
As we reflect on Jesus' example this Holy Week, let's ask ourselves: How can we take up the basin and towel in our own lives? How can we demonstrate the radical, self-sacrificing love of Jesus to those around us?
Reflection:
1. How does Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet challenge your understanding of leadership and power?
2. In what ways do you struggle with serving those who have hurt or opposed you?
3. How might your life look different if you fully embraced Jesus' example of humble service?
4. Are there any "feet" in your life that you've been hesitant to wash? What's holding you back?
Application:
This week, intentionally seek out opportunities to serve others in unexpected ways. Look for chances to "wash feet" in your daily life, whether it's helping a coworker with a task, serving a family member without being asked, or showing kindness to someone who has wronged you. Remember that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your incredible example of humility and love. Forgive me for the times I've been too proud or selfish to serve others as you did. Help me to embrace the basin and towel in my own life, finding joy in serving even those who may not deserve it. Give me the strength and courage to love my enemies and to put others before myself. May my life be a reflection of your servant heart. In your name, I pray. Amen.
