JOHN 13: 31-35

Jottings on John…Easter 5…Revised 2019

It’s a long time till next Maundy Thursday, but seeing that’s when our passage is set, let’s explore it in that context. A question to start with may be to ask if the symbolic liturgical foot-washing we experience each Maundy Thursday in our churches also closes the door - as Judas does here - on our truly discovering what Jesus’ ‘New Commandment’ really means. What it demands of us in practice. There’s nothing wrong with liturgical symbolism, but by definition, it can’t be the whole story. 

A few days before, Judas is testy with Jesus when He allows Mary to anoint His head with precious oil; a truly Messianic gesture on Mary’s part, recognising Jesus for whom He is. Now, is having Jesus wash his feet & the feet of the other Apostles the last straw for Judas? No true Messiah would do that kind of lowly thing! So, out he goes, shutting the door! We do find Jesus doing things like this as a matter of course; as Isaiah’s, YHWH’s, Suffering Servant.

 Looking at things the wrong way around inevitably shuts Judas & us out from taking the next step in true discipleship; that of following the True Messiah. When Judas closes that door on Jesus (& the others), he’s closing the door of opportunity on finding the kind of God who has, in Christ, come among us in Person. Are we doing any such ‘door-closing’ in our own discipleship? Is our God as down to earth as Jesus shows us YHWH is?

Perhaps more than anything else He does, washing dusty feet demonstrates just how down to earth Jesus is. How down to earth God is. Not in any merely symbolic way like our foot-washing, but day by day. But, as Judas sees it, enough’s enough! You have to draw the line somewhere. Whatever good there might be in this Jesus, He can’t be the Messiah! Messiahs don't do that kind of thing! Don't get their hands dirty like that! Is there a connection between the way today’s church symbolically washes feet on Maundy Thursday, but often appears to  preach another version of ‘Glory’? Remote from getting our hands dirty for others on a day by day basis as Jesus does?

Can we keep Jesus’ 'new commandment’ to 'love one another’ until we accept loving Servanthood as the free Gift of Grace that makes that possible? Judas can’t go that far, & shuts the door on Jesus - & himself in the process. How open is our door?

Is it going to church, thumping the Bible, preaching our heart out & others' ears off, that show we’re Jesus' disciples? Or, getting down to the seriously dusty business of loving one another? With basin & towel, whatever form they may take, where they’re needed? And not just symbolically once a year!

Brian 

Afterthought: There are, of course, those in ancient times, &, still, today, who argue that Foot-washing should be established or restored as a formally recognised Sacrament. But that’s another matter!