At the Table with Jesus
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John 13:1-5
1. Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2. And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4. rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. 5. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
Psalm 41:7-9
7. All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8. They say, "A deadly thing has fastened upon him; he will not rise again from where he lies." 9. Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
John 13:18-26
18. I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19. I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me." 21. When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." 22. The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; 24. so Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." 25. So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?" 26. Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
I was drawn initially to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. I’ve probably posted that scripture in the past, but felt drawn to it again. The theme of servant hood is so strong and so consistent throughout the New Testament that it’s no wonder that part of the last supper is re-enacted and discussed often, and in many contexts. But as I read my bible notes I found a reference to Psalm 41:9 and how Jesus’ comment regarding betrayal by Judas was a fulfillment of that scripture—and/or that David’s lament was a foreshadowing of what was to happen to Christ—a descendent of David.
Foot washing in biblical times, as you may know, was a common courtesy afforded to guests. But the service was always performed by the lowliest servant—or in poorer households, by a woman. For Jesus to wash the feet of his students, his followers, his friends was unthinkable! Framed within the other two scripture, the message is even more powerful—and daunting to me! Not only are we to serve others—we are to serve even those we know hate us, speak ill of us, try to undermine our works and deeds. Because, even in His being betrayed—Jesus was in charge! He refused to let man control the timing or the sequence of events. He was determined that scripture be fulfilled—to God’s glory—and for the sake of believers—the eyewitnesses, the disciples, and the believers to come in the future.
In order for us to believe more fully and more readily, scripture had to be fulfilled. The prophets must be correct—and Jesus knew we needed proof—written and recorded truth—in addition to his physical fulfillment of the predictions made long before He walked the earth.
This servitude is not to be out of a feeling of unworthiness—but rather one of empowerment and strength. With Jesus’ example, we are able to place ourselves at the “bottom of the totem pole” and to empty ourselves of all need to be approved or affirmed or honored. We can be completely and fully Christ-like through acting as He did with a willing heart and the assurance of His absolute and perfect love for us.
I hope you spend your day discovering new ways to serve others—even those whom it is difficult to love. And that you draw on the absolute and perfect love of Christ as you are in service to others.
Mary
