Thursday March 29th, 2018 Maundy Thursday John 13:1-17,31-35
Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." (verse 8)
British author Graham Greene dreamed for years of talking with Padre Pio, a famous Catholic priest and mystic, but moments before they were scheduled to meet, Greene unexpectedly left.
Greene later explained that he was not ready for his life to be changed. He had a long history of extramarital affairs. He had even brought his mistress with him that day instead of his wife! Graham Greene had expected to encounter Jesus through Padre Pio. He was afraid to be known for the sinner he was.
It is as uncomfortable for most of us to bare our feet and let a stranger wash them as it is to speak the truth about our own sinful nature. In those moments, we want to urge Jesus to keep his distance. We are afraid of what will happen when we expose the dirtiest and ugliest parts of ourselves.
Yet Jesus insisted on washing the feet of every disciple, even Peter, who soon denied Jesus, and Judas, who would betray him. Jesus responds to our fears and failures the same way-with love and service, not scolding or rejection.
Servant Christ, remove my hesitations, calm my fears, wash me clean, and restore me to right relationship with you. Amen. — KLS
Contributed by Washed Clean
British author Graham Greene dreamed for years of talking with Padre Pio, a famous Catholic priest and mystic, but moments before they were scheduled to meet, Greene unexpectedly left.
Greene later explained that he was not ready for his life to be changed. He had a long history of extramarital affairs. He had even brought his mistress with him that day instead of his wife! Graham Greene had expected to encounter Jesus through Padre Pio. He was afraid to be known for the sinner he was.
It is as uncomfortable for most of us to bare our feet and let a stranger wash them as it is to speak the truth about our own sinful nature. In those moments, we want to urge Jesus to keep his distance. We are afraid of what will happen when we expose the dirtiest and ugliest parts of ourselves.
Yet Jesus insisted on washing the feet of every disciple, even Peter, who soon denied Jesus, and Judas, who would betray him. Jesus responds to our fears and failures the same way-with love and service, not scolding or rejection.
