On Last Rites and Towel Duty: A Passion Week Narrative

On that Thursday evening, Jesus invited His closest friends, young men who had traveled by His side for the past three years, to gather and experience the Last Meal He would receive before death.

As they entered, I’m sure each disciple must have been brimming over with excitement. It was Passover after all- the most important time of celebration and remembrance in the Jewish calendar- and in those days, as their backs broke under the boot of the Roman Empire, the twelve eager young men must have been ready; hoping and yearning for a miracle that would free them from oppression just as they had been freed from Egypt and Babylon and Syria.

Peter, no doubt was cracking Rome jokes, trying to get a rise out of Judas and Simon. Probably John was the first to notice Jesus’ somber mood. He watched as his Rabbi donned a towel and picked up  basin full of washing water. I can imagine that the room became hushed as Jesus moved between His disciples, washing their feet, maybe even choking back some tears knowing that this was the very last lesson He would teach them before death.

“What are you doing Jesus.” asked Peter as Jesus approached him, “I should be washing your feet. I can’t let you humiliate yourself like this.”

“Peter,” He said, “Please let me do this. If you want to be a part of my life, I need to wash your feet. I need to do this and you need to learn.”

“OK, why don’t you wash all of me then?” said Peter.

Jesus looked him directly in the eyes. “Peter, I love you, but this is not the time for jest. But, I know why you’re making a joke out of this. This seems like menial labor to you and you think it’s beneath me. But, I tell you the truth- no job is menial if it serves another. And if you truly want to be great in my eyes you’ll follow my example and serve others- no matter how lowly or menial the role seems to be. Now, you don’t need me to clean your whole body, for it is not unclean. You do, however, need your feet cleaned, for they are dusty from the dirt on the streets. So please, allow me to make you clean.”