Scripture: John 13:1-17
At the start of her sermon on this day after the US and Israel rained bombs on Iran, Susan admonished us to keep up the coordinated, persistent, non-violent pressure on the administration, and to keep up the prayer.
The way of Jesus is the way of love, and today’s text is all about love. In it we read about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. This was completely unheard of for someone in authority–for their teacher–to be stooping to the point of washing the feet of someone “below” him in the caste system. The master takes on the role of a subordinate and pours out his love and devotion.
But then he goes a step further.
If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought also to wash one another’s feet, for I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
To pass on the selfless, self-forgetful love of God, sometimes means letting others see you in a less than flattering light. What a radical countercultural way to behave because it means we have to take our eyes off ourselves, and focus on the other person.
What does it mean to serve others when self-forgetful, selfless service opportunities come your way? Especially when we’re not particularly comfortable following through on those opportunities? What is God nudging each of us to do?
I hope you do not mind, but I played this for my congregation for our zoom service. Thanks for sharing your services.