Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Pride and prejudice Thursday, April 9, 2009 John 13:1, 4-5, 12, 15 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. 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 … When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Jesus said, â€Å"Do you understand what I have done for you? … I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.� Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) was a time for the rich to give to the poor, especially the royalty to give to the commons. Of course ordinary mortals have trouble with their pride on either side of this turnaround, but Jesus hoped his disciples would see his actions and his style and follow his example when they became leaders. As they most certainly would in a matter of weeks. I’ve participated in a few footwashings, and several other sharing-of-the-washcloth experiences (see attached photo if you dare*). Doing the feet always seems the most embarrassing; actually when someone does my feet is the embarrassing part. Recently a friend’s son stared unabashedly at my bare feet for several minutes. He was fascinated by my toenails. Tony Campolo’s friend, the president of Eastern University, spent several summers working as a garbage guy, getting up early mornings, throwing cans of trash into the truck, jumping on and going to the next stop. Day after day after day. Probably every preacher should be part of the toilet cleaning detail now and then. It just seems like the right thing to do. Jesus said so. Do I understand, Jesus asks, what he has done for me? Am I ready to do the same? When is the last time I looked down on someone else and didn’t wash their feet? Jesus washes mine, even as I don’t wash theirs. And he looks me right in the eye and says, â€Å"Go and sin no more.� O Lord, truly I am your servant, for you have freed me from my chains. I will always thank you, I will always call you Lord. * http://public.fotki.com/davesandel/family-pictures/dave/downspout1995promis.html "; Add      Edit    Delete