Lesson Twenty

THE LAST SUPPER

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Memory Verse: John 13:15
Further Study: Matthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:1-30; John 13:1-35; 14:1-31; The Desire of Ages, pp. 642-672; The Bible Story, vol. 8, pp. 54-64

My Father-in-law is in his 90s. He had recently lost his wife and continued to live alone in their home. The years had taken its toll on his body, but his mind was sharp. The daily needs we all have were challenging. He took slow steps, rested often, and could be a bit unsteady on his feet.

We were visiting him when I found him sitting in his recliner, looking as if he had no more energy, but clearly needing something. When I inquired, it was his feet. He needed his slippers. He’d gotten the socks on but had forgotten the slippers in another room. I went to look, found the slippers, returned, and knelt to put the slippers on. At first, he protested, but with insistence, he relented. I still remember the perspective, kneeling at his feet, looking up into a grateful face, still lined with the recognition of his own helplessness.

Same idea, but different situation.

Same idea, but different situation. I was babysitting my then almost two-year-old grandson. We’d decided to go outside to play, but he needed shoes. He was old enough to know that shoes needed to be put on, but not quite old enough to do it himself. But he was determined that he would and could do it. After some frustration, he relented. I put him on the couch, and again, kneeling at his feet, put on the shoes, looking up not into a grateful face, but one full of wonder and anticipation of what would happen once the shoes were on.

This is what Jesus had in mind when He removed His robe, took a towel, and knelt at the feet of each disciple. For whatever the reason, the servant had not arrived, so after waiting for His disciples to take on the role, He did it Himself. I can only imagine what the face of each looked like as they saw their Master at their feet. But I also wonder what Jesus saw in each face as He washed their feet.

I also wonder what Jesus saw in each face as He washed their feet.

I had a college Bible teacher once say something to the effect that this position, kneeling at the feet of someone else, is exactly the perspective of the world Jesus wanted us to see. Unfortunately, too many of us fail to take the opportunity when it is offered. 

My church has a communion service about four times a year. Part of that service includes foot washing. The church offers two choices—a room for men (or women) to participate in foot-washing or what is called the “family room” for couples and family units. While this is not wrong—it is good and well to kneel and serve those we love—the place of most discomfort, intimacy, and service isn’t found at the feet of people we know and love best, but at the feet of a stranger. Those looks of gratefulness and wonder that I experience in the faces I love most, are enhanced when I serve someone I do not know. It is then that I realize what service really is; it is then that I see what my Bible teacher wanted me to see.

Next time we participate in a foot-washing service, let us prayerfully seek out someone we do not know or don’t know well. As we prayerfully take our position on the floor, wipe their feet with a towel, let us look up into their face, and be renewed.

Digging Deeper 

The idea of foot washing is included as part of many denominations, not only my faith tradition. It is something done because of the symbolism it represents. 

In Jesus’ time, the act of foot washing was something done by a foreign slave, but not expected of a Jewish slave. It was, though, expected of a Jewish wife for her husband. It was a job that was considered to be menial and done only by those who are considered lower in status.

When Jesus removed His robe and took on the job of the lowest slave, He was reminding His servants of service as well as illustrating how low He was willing to go for us. What they did not know then, but would within less than 24 hours, was that Jesus would die a dishonorable death to save them and the rest of the world.

Jesus poured Himself out in service and by following His example, we are to do the same. When we practice foot washing, we are reminded of our call to service others.

Making it Real

This week during a family worship time, talk about foot washing. Have your children get on the floor and look up at you. Do it in reverse and kneel at the feet of your child(ren). Do the same for other members of the family. Talk about what it feels like to be lower than someone else. Why would Jesus want us to experience this?

If you like, practice foot washing at home, so that when it happens at church, your children will understand what is happening. And when it does happen at church, seek out a partner you do not know or better yet, pray for God to lead you to your partner. I practice this every time and it is a marvelous surprise that God always has waiting for me.

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, who’s delighting everyone with her smiles. She is blessed to have all three living close by, continually bringing joy and delight.