One Last Week—Why Did Jesus Strip?
Listen: “Pride (In the Name of Love)” by U2
During the Passover meal (aka The Last Supper) which Jesus shared with his disciples, he got up from the table, stripped off his outer clothing, picked up a towel and bowl, and began washing the feet of his disciples. Foot washing was considered one of the dirtiest jobs in the ancient Near East. It was reserved for only the lowliest of slaves. It was shocking behavior for Jesus to strip down to his underwear (the dress of a slave), take up a wash bowl and towel, and wash the feet of the disciples. Peter initially objected to the disgusting behavior before he understood the full implications of Jesus’ actions.
In the last week of Jesus’ life on earth—Holy Week—he traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover festival. This was an annual remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Even today, Jewish families around the world remember the events of the Exodus by sharing a Passover meal in their home. The meal involves retelling the ancient story of the Exodus, singing hymns, and eating a meal of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and sharing four cups of wine. The elements of the meal commemorate the night of the Exodus when the blood of the lamb spared the Hebrew children from the death angel, and the Israelites hastily fled their Egyptian captors.
Jesus’ humble act of washing the disciples feet the night before he was crucified has become one of the most iconic episodes of his life. Jesus taught and demonstrated love of God, love of others, love of self, and servant leadership throughout his ministry. He said, “For even the Son of Man [Jesus’ self-title] came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28; NLT).
Service is one of the core values in the recovery movement as well. Addiction usually spirals downward into self-focused, narcissistic living. Addicts don’t care who they hurt (and you don’t have to do drugs and alcohol to be an addict). They live for themselves. Recovery involves making amends to the people we have hurt and choosing a life of service to others.
Jesus was one of the great spiritual leaders in history who modeled the importance of service. Books have been written on the servant values which Jesus taught and practiced, but here is a short list.
Visionary leadership. Jesus cast a vision for a better future for everyone, not just the wealthy, powerful elite. He called it the “kingdom of God.” He taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When Jesus demonstrated healing, forgiving, loving, serving, caring, feeding, including, and liberating people from oppression, injustice, and judgment, he would speak of his vision for the kingdom of God. His vision always depicted loving, grace-based community in which people were experiencing a touch of “heaven” on earth—a home for the sick, the outcasts, the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, the misfits, and the forgiven.
Servant leadership. At the final Passover meal, before Jesus washed the feet, the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest among them. Who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)? Competitive men love to vie for this position and have these debates. Jesus turned the debate upside down: first, by a radical teaching, and, second, by a radical act. Jesus pointed out how most of the kings and great men of the world love to impress you and oppress with their greatness, but Jesus offered a new vision. “But among you it will be different. Those who are greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant” (Luke 22:26; NLT).
Sacrificial leadership. Jesus practiced non-violent resistance towards the oppressive powers of Rome and the corrupt religious leadership of his day. He practiced a lifestyle which he called others to follow and emulate. It was a lifestyle that valued the dignity of each person. Jesus sought to eliminate the obstacles which hindered people from thriving and being a vital contributor to the common good. He was willing to sacrifice himself for others and for the common good of the community. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” (John 15:12-13; NLT).
Grace-based leadership. Grace was at the heart of Jesus’ message. He envisioned a radically inclusive, grace-base community of people who were non-violently resisting injustice and oppression of the poor and vulnerable, while offering love and compassion for everyone. Jesus challenged us to deal with our own resentments and prejudices by finding ways to love and forgive even our enemies. He called us to live a life in which we embrace mercy, compassion, forgiveness, vulnerability, and service as opposed to self-righteousness and judgment.
Why did Jesus strip down to his underwear and wash feet? He was modeling for us and calling us to new way of living. A way of caring. A way of loving. He elevated service to others as an honorable lifestyle, instead of a demeaning task. In fact, the recovery and survival of our planet depends on it.
Shalom
©realfredherron, 2022
