John 13:1-6: a reflection

1Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God and was going to God, 4arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”

John sets this scene up with striking care. Jesus knew his hour had come, John says, and knew that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God. At the very moment he is keenly aware of his own authority and origin, holding everything in his hands, what does he do with it? He gets up, wraps a towel around his waist, kneels, and washes his disciples' feet.

Notice the timing. It is precisely when Jesus is surest of who he is and what he holds that he takes the menial task of washing feet, the job of a household slave. His greatness does not need to be displayed or defended; it is free to stoop. Security in the Father's love let him kneel at the feet of men, including the feet of the one who would betray him.

That is a picture of what real security looks like. We usually grasp at status when we feel unsure of ourselves, and reach for service only when it costs us nothing. Jesus, certain of the Father's love and holding all things, was free to take the towel. The more sure you are of who you are in God's hands, the freer you become to serve without needing credit for it. Let his security become yours, and take up the towel today.

Lord Jesus, knowing all things were in your hands, you knelt and washed feet. Make me so secure in the Father's love that I am free to take the towel, to serve the lowly task without needing credit, as you did.