The Table: Part Two
Today is Good Friday when we remember Jesus making that final trek to His execution, suffering in our place. He had dinner with His closest followers on the night before: Maundy Thursday. Judas was the betrayer, but what about the other apostles? Among them were a denier, a doubter, power-hungry brothers, all seated at the table. It was His final Passover and Jesus desired it, knowing Judas would instigate His suffering.
A nice meal with family and friends sitting around your table is a great time for discussion, everyone is relaxed and more open to share. That’s true for this table as well. After sharing the Last Supper, Jesus rather nonchalantly declared that one sitting with them will betray Him, it’s been determined by God, but only sorrow will come to that man. I’m thinking the atmosphere around the table shifted, but it didn’t stop the rest of the disciples; they began to argue about who’s the greatest. Ahhhh … the family meal. Guards are down and hearts are revealed. Jesus takes this opportunity to teach about servanthood (Luke 22:24-30). He said the greater position of leadership will flip and become the servant in the Kingdom of God. That’s upside down; He’s turned the tables!
Later, only recorded in John 13, the Lord rose from the table, put on a type of apron, and washed His disciples’ feet as a servant would do. When He finished, returned to the table, and asked them if they understood the whole foot-washing experience? Additionally He said that if they knew Him not only as Teacher, but also Lord, then they would follow His example ‘washing people’s feet’, not the lower story, but the upper story. Jesus’ point was driven home: servanthood. We not only serve others in the lower story when we find a need, but also serve others by the upper story: forgiveness. Jesus told Peter he was clean, he believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he still needed his feet to be washed (John 12:6-10). The upper story of foot-washing is really about our daily forgiveness and the command to love by forgiving.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:34-35
Take some time today to reflect on your sin, His washing, and whose ‘feet’ you may need to wash with forgiveness. Walk that Road of Golgotha (Calvary) alongside Him today as you listen or read what He endured for your sake and in your place. Make Good Friday really good as you experience a co-crucifixion with Him,
I’m crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Clean, by Natalie Grant
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