A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:22-27)
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me… So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:8-17)
I will not likely be the first person to call this to your attention, but as I read this I’m increasingly of the opinion that the Reformed tradition really ought to claim a third sacrament in the life of the church: the sacrament of foot-washing.
It isn’t simply that it is instituted (mandated even – “unless I wash you, you have no share with me”), that it embraces the mystery of faith (choosing servant-hood over greatness), and that it is a tangible sign and seal of God’s grace (“I have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you… you are blessed if you do them”). But on top of all that it seems to me to hang there as the necessary third step of discipleship.
We are named and claimed, nurtured, and sent out by the Grace of God. Name and claimed in baptism. Nurtured at table. Sent out as servants – foot-washers.
The great foolishness of the cross… the counter-intuitive nature of discipleship is that we do not seek to be greater – we do not seek to be at table, but serving those who are. And here Jesus is clear that his way of discipleship really is a different way from the norm of society. We do not do as the “kings of the Gentiles”. We are not authoritarian “benefactors”… though surely such a role has appeal – and might even seem “good.” “But not so with you!” For us – disciples – the greatest is the one who has the least glamorous role… the support staff!
Isn’t it fascinating that it is at table – in the meal that institutes the sacrament of communion – that Jesus speaks of seeking to not be at the table. Perhaps the disciples are not simply invited to remember Jesus in the breaking of bread when they are served God’s grace. Perhaps they are to remember Jesus when they break bread (serve) for those who have been invited to the table. They are to remember Jesus when they – as he modeled – seek out the least, lost, and lonely and wash their feet, feed them, heal them – serve them.
In such an act the one who sought greatness becomes a servant… the one who was least becomes the greatest – and the world is a little more reflective of the life God seeks for us: the kingdom of God on earth.
Are you sitting at the table… or kneeling and washing the feet of God’s people?
Have you set aside worldly “greatness” for the role of God’s support staff?
Do you know the blessings of God’s grace flowing from the life of service?
Blessing God,
Your blessing comes to us in a bowl of water, from a table, and with a wash towel. Help us to find in such common elements, your uncommon grace.
Amen.
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