Day 143

2 Samuel 2:12‐3:39; John 13:1‐30; Psalm 119:1‐16; Proverbs 15:29‐30

The World Turned Upside Down

Many historians cite “The World Turned Upside Down” as the tune played by a British fife and drum corps when British soldiers stacked their arms and surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. For the British Army and the mighty British Empire, the world had indeed been turned upside down in the American Revolution.

Jesus will begin to turn His disciples’ world upside down as John’s Gospel shifts from Jesus’ public ministry among the people to a more private ministry among His disciples before His betrayal and crucifixion. As one author says, Jesus’ ministry moves from the streets to the quiet of a room to prepare His disciples for the weekend’s events and, more importantly, for their ongoing ministry after His resurrection and ascension.

Jesus begins to rock their world with a simple show-and-tell of service and humility. Imagine the disciples’ shock and puzzlement as He assumes the role and work of a household slave in washing their feet. Peter expresses that shock and amazement and does seem to grasp the deeper meaning of Jesus’ actions. In a sense, this humble service around the table prefigures Jesus’ approaching shame and humiliation on behalf of sinful humanity on the cross. Jesus washes the dirt off their feet around the table and will wash away the sin from humanity on the cross.

Jesus then tells them that this humble service should be a continuing action among those who follow Him. Many Christian traditions honor and follow Jesus’ specific command with a foot washing ceremony in worship on Holy or Maundy Thursday, also called Good Friday Eve. Jesus’ command has a more general application as we explore ways to humbly serve others in all of life’s settings. As Jesus said, “Do as I have done to you.”

Tony Clark