“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:5
My family has enjoyed watching a series of documentaries recently on marine life in the oceans surrounding Australia. It’s something the whole family can enjoy, regardless of age. We are freshly amazed at the unique creatures God made in the sea. Two family favorites have become the Day Octopus and the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. Google it – they’re remarkable! A person could spend ten lifetimes in the ocean and daily discover something new.
The Bible has similar contours. Its breadth, depth and extent are beyond what we can harness, even after a lifetime of study. Scripture is rich with unending opportunities to be instructed, rebuked, challenged, convicted, encouraged and awed. There, God is revealed, especially in Jesus (John 1:14, 18)! John 13:5 draws me further into the contours of this quiet moment with Christ.
This is an unforgettable scene. It is his final night. He is eating the last Passover meal with his disciples. Judas will soon part ways with them to betray (13:30). Jesus will teach his disciples and pray in the Upper Room Discourse and High Priestly Prayer (14:1-17:26). This scene involves an essential lesson for them all (John 13:12-20).
John describes Jesus’ mind and heart in the circumstance in verses 1-4. Jesus knew His hour had come. He knows he will return to His Father. He loved his own to the very end (13:1). Jesus also realized the devil has captured Judas’ heart (13:2). He is assured that he will go through death, back to God (13:3). In this moment he interrupts the meal.
I imagine the room grew silent as Jesus stood up from the table. The reclining apostles watched as he unexpectedly removed his outer tunic and garment, then girded himself with a long arpon-like towel – the garb of a slave. He then prepared a basin of water. All very intentional.
How long did this silence last? Longer than we may think if we read quickly. Twelve apostles means twenty-four dirty feet! Kneeling down, pouring water over their feet, scrubbing as them as needed, drying them and moving on to the next. This is a quiet and sustained moment with Christ. Later that night, there will be agonizing prayers, sweat with blood, torches and swords, a violent and taunting trial. There will be hostile crowds, intense mockery, torture, then crucifixion and death.
But this moment is quiet, private, elevated and separated from the chaos of Passover in Jerusalem. No one says anything. Peter breaks in with an exchange in verses 7-10, but again silence. The only sounds are the jostling of surprised apostles and the trickling of poured water. Jesus intends for them, in this silence, to be captivated by what He does. He intends to forge a life-time memory in this meaningful gesture. This act ultimately displays the essential humility required of servant-leaders in His church (John 13:12-17). This act displays the significance of His own cross work.
John’s inspired words invite us to spend this quiet moment with Christ. As we capture His act in our minds, rehearse His words and meditate on them – it should grip us as readers. This is a life-time lesson for us as well. We can glimpse here, the glory of God in the face of Jesus and be transformed by it (2 Cor. 3:18). We can be back with him in this private Upper Room – with Him in this very quiet moment – and be reminded of what is central to following Him.
This was a fresh occasion of wonder for me this morning. I was drawn into this unique place in Scripture. I saw familiar things, but fresh and wonderful things too. I enjoyed the time removed from the chaos; the quiet and sustained moment with Christ. His actions and words are full of goodness and significance. How refreshing! I hope you’re being drawn in as well to know God through the unending discovery of Him in His Word.
Thanks! See you Sunday,
Pastor Dave
