A New Command

Today on Maundy Thursday we remember Christ’s command to his followers to love one another, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). The tongue twisting name of this Holy Day comes from the first two words of the Latin version of this text: mandatum novum.

New Command.

Love one another.

On that night when Jesus had gathered with his disciples, ate the bread, and drank the wine, he also knelt down and played the role of servant to all of them. Even the one who he knew was already in the process of betraying him. Even the one he knew would deny him before the sun had even risen. He washed their dirty, tired feet.

All of them.

I have always been captivated by this memory of Jesus wrapping himself in a towel and washing his disciples’ feet. In part because it is overwhelming to think of the God who created sunsets kneeling at anyone’s crusty feet. And in part because I myself don’t want that job (the feet, that is)! Yet, as the story goes, the God who put the ocean’s waves in motion, knelt and did that not once - but many times. And there is no record that Jesus put any limitations on who would walk away with clean toes. Apparently Peter really struggled with this, not wanting Jesus washing his feet at all - Peter put limitations on Jesus.

But, Jesus insisted that Peter also needed his feet washed. Peter needed to let Jesus serve him so that he too could go out and serve others. “For I have set you an example,” Jesus told those around him, “that you also should do as I have done” (John 13:15).

A new command.

Love one another.

While we won’t wash each other’s feet (but will wash hands at tonight’s service), we are still called to honor this new commandment, still called to serve, still called to love. Even if we have betrayed or denied Jesus by not loving. This is a season of renewed life. The chance to try again. The chance to remember again that we are deeply loved by the God who both created the Milky Way and who loves us enough to wash our feet.

A new command.

For all of us.

Blessings, Pastor Amy

 

Siblings, let me be your servant,

Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I may have the grace to

Let you be my servant too.

 

We are pilgrims on the a journey,

And companions on the road.

We are here to help each other

Walk the mile and bear the load.

 

I will hold the Christ-light for you

In the night time of your fear.

I will hold my hand out to you,

speak the peace you long to hear.

 

I will weep when you are weeping;

When you laugh I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow,

Till we’ve seen this journey through.

 

When we sing to God in heaven

We shall find such harmony,

Born of all we’ve known together

of Christ’s love and agony.

 

Siblings, let me be your servant,

Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I may have the grace to

Let you be my servant, too.