04/14/2022
Day #5 of Passion Week: “Exemplifying Love”
It has been said that some Christians are so narrow-minded that a gnat could stand on the bridge of their nose and peck both of their eye out. Strangely enough, this speaks volumes of many 21st century “church folks.” Just recently I say a sign that read, “Don’t get it twisted. Church folks and God’s folks are not the same thing. Church folks go to a church. God’s folks are the church.” Believe it or not, this is exactly why I stopped referring to myself as “being a Christian” because the word “Christian” in the 21st century surely doesn’t carry the same implications as it did in the 1st century. As such, I now refer to myself as a “Jesus follower.” But how does this train of thought mesh with the last day of Jesus’ life?
On Thursday Jesus gathered with his disciples to observe the Passover meal. In this annual, pilgrimage feast the Jewish people recalled how the death angel passed over their ancestors before their exodus from Egyptian bo***ge. It was one of the highest and holiest of days that the people observed because it was indeed a celebration of salvation from death by the mighty hand of God himself. The Passover meal itself was quite simple, highly ceremonial, and meticulous in every aspect. This was followed by what was called the “meal proper” where a whole lamb was roasted and eaten without waste. Any leftovers were immediately destroyed and never kept for a later date. And at various and well planned times throughout the course of these meals the participants sung parts of what is called “the great Hallel” beginning with Psalm 113 – 118 and always ending with Psalm 136. This was followed by two short prayers and the Passover feast came to a close. This particular Passover would be quite different.
As the evening meal is being served Jesus again engages in behavior that is quite unusual. Apparently the disciples were engaged in a major disagreement over who would be greatest in the kingdom of God. Imagine that, if you can – on the eve of Jesus’ death, as he gathers to spend his last moments with his closest associates in observing the Passover they are engaged in a “spitting contest” out of which no winners would emerge.
With all of this happening Jesus rises, girds himself with a towel, takes a basin of water and one-by-one he washes the feet of his disciples. Peter, being the fellow that he is, wants to take everything to a different level but Jesus reels him in quickly, finishes the task before him, returns to his seat at the table and asks, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He then proceeds to tell them that if he, being their Lord and Teacher, has been willing to serve them in such a manner … they too should follow his example and serve their fellowman. Someone put it this way – “rather than Jesus preaching a sermon, he became one.” But what does it mean for us as 21st century Jesus followers? Well it’s actually simple – the road to greatness is discovered in humility and service to God and others.
Now let’s get back to people because the churches that grace our country are not made of brick and mortar, as some might think. Churches are made of people, God’s people who have been transformed by his grace. Saved sinners who have a home in Heaven awaiting us at the close of life, yet sinners much in need of God and one another. In the course of living we sometimes get sidetracked. So do churches. This doesn’t mean that we no longer belong to God or him to us. It simply means our priorities are misplaced. And might I add, that’s quite easy for us to do in 21st century America where we seem to have everything but the main thing. Jesus is the main thing in life … let’s make sure we keep it that way.
