Need a towel?

The Master Teacher once taught a lesson twenty-four feet long. His disciples had been jockeying for position and nursing their egos, and Jesus had devoted teaching time to this issue. Yet, even in the Upper Room on the eve of the cross, the little band was out of sorts. Quietly rising from the table, Jesus brought the murmurings to a halt by removing His outer garments- and began washing their feet; all twenty-four of them. This was a customary act of hospitality in biblical times, when transportation was by sandal clad feet along dusty roadways. Servants usually performed the task, but to the embarrassment of the Twelve, Jesus took that role upon Himself.

When He came to Peter, He met resistance. Was it shame, defiance, or pride? Only Peter and Jesus know for sure. But Jesus responded firmly, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” With typical rashness, Peter said, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus replied, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet to be completely clean” (John 13:8-10). Having finished the twenty-four feet, Jesus rose, replaced His robe, and resumed His seat at the head of the table.

The author Robert J. Morgan writes, “His words to Peter indicate there was more to His actions than met the foot. In one twenty-minute lesson, Jesus encapsulated His entire mission. This foot washing was a miniaturized version of His Passion. Just as a drop of water contains all the life of a pond, this one act of our Lord was a microcosm of His whole ministry.”

What a mission it was! The Almighty Son, arrayed in splendor, rose from His heavenly place, laid aside His garments of glory, took the form of a servant, descended to Earth, and humbly cleansed His squabbling, sinful children. He washes us from soul-destroying sin (head, hands, and heart) as well as from the daily “dust on our feet” that can strain our fellowship with God. Then He arose, replaced His regalia, and resumed His place of honor on heaven’s throne.
The Teacher’s lesson- our daily acts of humility, washing one another’s feet- not only reflect His loving heart; they emulate His redemptive mission. “I have given you an example,” He said, “that you should do as I have done to you” (John 8:15).

Need a towel?

A Personal gospel.

The ball game was great! The home team won. The sermon was relevant and many in the crowd responded. The concert was on target and loud. We left early, it had been a long day.

On the way home we stopped by McDonald's for a small, late evening, before bedtime snack. I had opened my wallet to pay for the Mighty Kids meals and two grilled chicken wraps, I'm sure you know which one was mine.

There he was. He was dirty and unshaven. His clothes were ragged, torn, and a few sizes to big. And he smelled. He was the epitome of life on the streets. I stared for a moment into the empty eyes that seemed to have lost any glimmer of hope. After returning my gaze he lowered his head as if he were ashamed.

My mind rewound to just an hour before. I found myself in a beautiful stadium of lights. There was beautiful green grass and all the glitz and glamour that goes with the game. I was surrounded by children, teenagers, and adults all dressed in nice clothes and sipping soda from bottomless cups. I heard the Gospel presented and watched as many responded. Trucks, cars, SUVs, church buses and vans, all air conditioned, headed for the nearest eatery for a late evening snack. It had been a great day!

Now, I'm at McDonald's. As a preacher of the Gospel I'm confronted with my personal gospel. I picked up my change and my order and made my way to our table. I've got a wonderful wife. As soon as I sat down she said, "I wonder if he's hungry." I responded, "I'll find out."

Excuse me sir, are you hungry? Yes sir I am. What do you want? A double cheeseburger and two apple pies. Give me a double cheeseburger meal and two apple pies. You want anything else? No sir. Can I ask you a personal question? Yes sir. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Yes sir, I sure do. What you have been given has been given to you in His name. Yes sir. The lady behind the counter said, "Thank you so much!"

It's going to happen. Somewhere, sometime, somehow. You're going to be confronted with your personal gospel. No words, no theology lesson. Only your actions. I pray you'll live it out! It's great!