A Basin and a Towel

April 17th, 2025 homily by Pastor Galen on John 13:1-17, 31b-35 for Maundy Thursday

“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” — Jesus (John 13:14 and 15)

Outstanding Service

Have you ever witnessed someone go out of their way to serve you?

Yesterday, our family stopped at a fast food restaurant while driving back from visiting our oldest daughter in Richmond, Virginia. After we received our order, I realized I had forgotten to ask for ketchup. I walked back up to the counter, but all the cashiers were busy helping other customers. I noticed an employee who had just finished wiping down some tables nearby, so I asked him if he could get a few ketchup packets for me.

He responded with a cheerful “Of course!” Then, to my surprise, I watched as he walked over to the sink behind the counter and thoroughly washed his hands—almost like a surgeon prepping for surgery—before going to get the ketchup packets.

That small act thoroughly impressed me. What stood out first and foremost was his cheerful willingness to help, even though what I asked wasn’t technically part of his job description. He could have passed me off to a cashier, and I wouldn’t have blamed him. What also stood out was the fact that he washed his hands so thoroughly, which demonstrated care and respect for the health and well-being of me, his customer. To be honest, I wouldn’t have thought twice if he had just reached in and grabbed a handful of ketchup packets without washing his hands first, but the extra care he took certainly made an impression.

A Lesson in Service and Humility

Now, if I was moved by this young man’s small act of cheerful, thoughtful service, how much more powerful must it have been for the disciples when Jesus bent down to wash their feet as they celebrated the Passover meal together.

That moment was certainly unexpected. Generally, hosts would ask their servants to provide water so that guests could wash their own feet. The most generous and most lavish of hosts would task one of their servants to wash the feet of their guests, but this was seen as radical hospitality, and not the norm. But it was utterly unheard of for a host, let alone a guest of honor, to wash the feet of the other guests.

Given the fact that the disciples were always vying for Jesus’ attention and constantly asking him who would get to sit next to him in the kingdom of heaven, it’s no surprise really that none of the disciples had wanted to take on the role of a servant and fetch water and towel for the others to wash their own feet. Jesus’ teachings that the path to true greatness lies through service had obviously not sunk in for them up to this point. Yet Jesus didn’t scold them for failing to serve one another or give them a lecture about humility. Instead, he took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, knelt down, and began to wash each of their feet, one by one.

Jesus then explained to his disciples that he was setting an example for them of what true greatness looks like. True greatness in God’s kingdom is service for others, done in love, just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and just as he loved them, even to the end. In fact, Jesus said that this is how everyone would know that we are Jesus’ disciples—if we love one another. And love is expressed through a willingness to serve.

Not My Job?

I wonder how many times we pass up opportunities to serve because we think, “That’s not my job”? Certainly, there are times when we’re asked to do something that we may need to say “no”:

• When we have too much on our plates, and we know we can’t do it well. 
• When saying “yes” could cause harm to ourselves or others. 
• When stepping in would take away someone else’s opportunity to grow or serve.

In these situations, saying “no” can be an act of humility and wisdom. But if our “no” comes from a sense that a task is beneath us, then we need to pause and remember the example Jesus set. If the God of the universe was willing to stoop and wash the muddy feet of his disciples, how much more willing should we be to take on the lowliest tasks in service to others?

A Call to Serve
So this week, I invite you to say “yes” to some small act of service—especially one that might not technically be your responsibility. Do it cheerfully. Do it thoroughly. And do it not to be noticed or thanked, but simply because that is the way of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. 

Amen!