Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalm 116:1. 10-17
1 Corinthians 11:21=16
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
At this last gathering with his closest followers, Jesus did three revolutionary and life-changing things.
The first thing that he did was to wash the disciples’ feet. If you went into the home of a rich person, that person’s slave would wash your feet. The was a profound sign of hospitality. At the very least, all of the apostles realized that Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher. Peter realized that he was the messiah. Some of the others were probably grasping that fact as well.
The savior of the world washes his followers’ feet. All through his ministry he has kept saying, “I am among you as one who serves,” and he calls us to be servants, too.
The second thing is that he takes the bread and wine and says the usual blessings, but then he says that we should share this meal in remembrance of him. He gives us this meal as a way to call him to be among us. This meal reminds us that whenever we gather, he is in our midst.
The third thing is the commandment he gives us: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
May we carry on his ministry of servanthood. May we be ever more aware of his presence among us. May we love one another and love others in his Name.
Amen.
Filed under: Reverend Janet Brown, Sermons | Tagged: 1 Corinthians 11, Exodus 12, Holy Week, John 13, Maundy Thursday, Psalm 116, The Last Supper |
Grace Episcopal Church (Sheldon, VT) 