Do You Understand What I Have Done?

“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

John 13:2-17 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jhn.13.2-17.niv

This is one of those well known stories.  We hear every Easter season, maybe even to the point that when it begins we may not listen completely.  Yet this morning something new stuck out to me.  I'm Hos exchange with Simon Peter, Jesus comments that not everyone among their group is clean, for He knew who was going to betray him.  We know that the someone He is referring to is Judas.  In just a few verses, He is long to flee to go turn Jesus over to His death.  Yet at this point, Jesus washed His feet anyway.  "Even though I know that you are going to betray me; even though your heart is far from mine; even though you are going to take the good I am trying to do and end if greed...I serve you."  These is what went running through the my brain as I read.  Jesus knew what lie ahead and whose hand would push it there, yet He did not exclude him.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Not only does He wash the betrayer felt, but in that same discourse, He charges us to do the same:  to serve those who are not part of our circle; those who may betray us; those who don't seem to care. That means that person at work who always throws you under the bus.  The person in church who gossips about you.  The man in the store who judges you.  The child, who in a moment of anger, screams, "I hate you!"  The driver who is honking and giving you the finger as you drive down the road.  The friend or loved one who betrays your trust.  God has told us and shown us that we are to follow His example.  We must serve and share His message (whether by words or actions or both)...we must love like Him.  What a hard task, but in Christ ALL things are possible.

Thank you, Lord, for this lesson.  As we begin another school year, help me to teach my students to love like You.  Help me to show all those I work with and come into contact with at any point throughout my day, that You are king of my life and to serve even those who may not be the easiest to love.  In Your name I pray, Amen.

The Good Shepherd

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28 NIV

This morning I was reading chapter 10 of John which talks of The Good Shepherd.  I've always loved this story and the images that usually accompany it.  I've recently learned that it is the most widely loved image of Jesus by children due to the protective, loving, gentle nature portrayed.  

In my early 20s, I became even more enamoured with The Good Shepherd thanks to Fr. Bev Barge, whose affinity for it lead me to look more deeply.  He even led us on a journey to the small Good Shepherd's chapel in the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  It was 1991, my oldest was just four months old and I wasn't much more than a baby myself.  Life was scary and confusing.  I sat with her in my arms in the tiny alcove and remember feeling completely at peace, calm, protected.  I knew everything was going to be alright, even if I didn't know how.  I remember feeling my heart literally swell as I showed her the image of The Good Shepherd and explained that she was like the lamb in His arms: loved, cherished and God's own.  

I have shared the story of The Good Shepherd with each of my 3 children and shared that they were His sheep.  Life has not been easy for us.  We have walked many rocky, steep mountains and through many dry, barren, canyon sized and wolf infested valleys.  But The Good Shepherd has always been with me; calling my name; asking me to trust and follow Him.  And my children have followed me, hopefully learning to listen also for His voice.  This is my greatest prayer.  

Today, I read the story again.  Maybe it is the time of year, but today as I read, I was overwhelmed with the image of my students as sheep.  Some from different flocks, some sheep without a shepherd, but each longing to held, comforted, cared for, brought to peace and safety.  They are growing up in a world where there are so many calling their names, and voice imitation has become an art form.  I thought about the fact that, because I work in a public school, I cannot share this story with them directly.  Instead I have live my life like the shepherd.  When they are with me I need to be the one calling their name, guiding them to safety, leading.  When they look, they need to see something different. They need to know they are safe.  They need to see The Good Shepherd through me.  My actions must speak louder than the words I cannot say.  I must plant seeds that keep them seeking for the One who can save them and lead them in a life everlasting.  My daily prayers for them the water.  My words to build up and encourage them to grow.  The shepherd does not idly watch his sheep.  He is active and even if his words are few, the sheep still know.  Society may make it impossible for me to talk about The Good Shepherd, but my actions can speak loud enough and I will trust Him to do the rest,

Lord, as we are about to begin a new school year, I lift up teachers every where.  I ask you, Lord, to watch over us and to guide us.  Help us plant seeds that draw these young ones to you; guard our words so that we can safely continue in the job you have called us to; enable us and guide us to show Your love, provision, care and peace to those we come into contact with.  And bless the precious little sheep who You are sending to us. Whether they are 5 or 15, they are growing up in a craggy, rugged land.  Keep their footing sure and may they see the wolves in sheep's clothing and know they are theives.  Protect us all.  Provide for us.  Lead us.  Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together.  May your will be done.  Amen.