Today is Thursday. Sunday the crowds cheered and laid palm branches before the King, on Monday Jesus wept over Jerusalem and cleared the temple, on Tuesday Judas struck a bargain, all we know about Wednesday is that it was likely spent preparing for the Passover as Jesus awaited what was to come.
Before tonight is over, Judas will run to the Sanhedrin, a night of anguish in prayer will pass, a kiss will betray, a mockery of a trial will begin, a devoted disciple will deny three times. But all of that is to come, for now there is a table prepared, a Passover meal awaits, the Lamb is prepared.
As the disciples jostle and jockey for position, each still trying to vie for their spot at the table, the pecking order still being sorted, the master rises and leaves. In moments he would return, a towel wrapped around his waist, a basin of water as he kneels at their feet. Peter protests, Jesus corrects, and the Lord of all humbles himself and washes the feet of those who call Him 'Master', even Judas'.
John 13:14-15 (ESV)
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Each one of the disciples should have jumped at the honor, the privilege, of washing the feet of Jesus. But that was the job of the lowest servant, and no one wanted to humble themselves and admit they were the least of this group. So when Jesus, the master saw this, he did what great teachers do and used this moment to sear into the minds of his disciples, and hopefully into our minds as well, what it means to be His follower.
See, Jesus didn't say I will serve just those who deserve it. He didn't wait until Judas had fled, no he served all, even the lowliest, even the most undeserving. At the time it wouldn't have meant much to the other 11, but in a few hours, when they reflected on what he had done, it would mean the world.
Christ looks at all of us who call ourselves by His name and says, "Do just as I have done to you."
So my question for you on this Maundy Thursday is simple, Whose feet will you wash today? Who will you humble yourselves and serve? Remember it's not because they deserve it, it's because we didn't deserve what Christ did for us!