Getting Up from the Table • John 13

 

 

Just before the Passover Feast, 

Jesus knew that the time had come

to leave this world to go to the Father.

Having loved His dear companions,

He continued to love them right to the end.

 

John 13:1

 

•

Jesus knew that the Father had

put Him in charge of everything,

that He came from God and

was on His way back to God.

So He got up from the supper table,

set aside His robe, and put on an apron.

Then He poured water into a basin

and began to wash the feet of the disciples,

drying them with His apron.

  

John 13:3-5

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Jesus knew that His time on earth

was coming to an end. He was going to go back

to His rightful place with the Father.

He knew where He came from, 

He knew where He was going

and He knew the position

that the Father had given Him.

But He kept on. He kept on loving His companions.

He didn't forget about them. He didn't leave them behind

- even though they would leave Him. 

He continued to love them right until the end.

I love how the Bible puts it: "Jesus knew that the Father 

had put Him in complete charge of everything, 

that He came from God and was on His way back to God. 

SO, He got up from the supper table, 

set aside His robe and put on an apron."

He knew.  So.

It isn't "He knew. But, anyway."

To Jesus it was just what He needed to do next.

It made sense to Him. 

It was what He needed to do.

I think that I get too caught up in my position

as a mom (I want the respect, the obedience,

I want them to do the serving), 

and I miss out on the truth

that serving my family 

is what I need to do.

I think that I need to teach them

by telling them how, by making them do,

with lots of words and little action.

Jesus did just the opposite.

With no words He got up from the table

and just did what He needed to do.

He didn't stop and bang His wine goblet

with His fork to get their attention

and then in a loud voice explain

step-by-step what He was going to do.

He recognized what time it was, 

He got up, and humbly, quietly

began to wash their feet.

Later in verses 37 and 38 it says:

"Master," said Peter, "Why can't I follow now?

I'll lay down my life for You!"
"Really? You'll lay down your life for me?

The truth is that before the rooster crows, 

you'll deny me three times."

Oh how like Peter I can be!

Too often I think that I am so much more

committed to the Lord, so ready to do something

for Him, so ready to follow Him

and yet the truth is that I am not

where I am think I am. I'm not as committed

as I think I am. I am not as ready

for action as I think I am.

Jesus, thank You for teaching us by example.

Thank You for knowing me through and through

and not giving up on me,

thank You for not leaving me behind.

Thank You for loving me to the end.

Jesus, I like to think that I am ready

and willing to follow You where ever You go

and do what You want me to do.

But the truth is most of the time

I don't even make it out of the starting gate. 

I want to serve my family in love,

but too often I do it half-heartedly

or out of obligation or because no one else will.

Please forgive me, Lord. 

Please forgive me for wanting the position

of Mom, but not being willing to lead 

by serving as You taught us to.

Please help me to quietly get up from the table,

lay aside my robe, put on my apron

and wash my family's feet,

out of love for You and for them.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.