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"Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1)

Passover to Pentecost

Why Jesus Laid Aside His Robe of Honor
"Having loved His own who were in the world,
He loved them to the end."
John 13:1

The Upper Room was filled
with the fragrance
of roasted lamb,
bitter herbs,
and warm bread.

After entering the room,
Jesus told His disciples,
"I have eagerly desired
to eat this Passover with you
before I suffer." Luke 22:15

He looked around the table,
aware of what each man
would do-
and He loved them still.

With compassion,
He knew their courage
would falter
before morning.

They had already bathed
before the meal.
Only one task remained-
the washing
of dusty feet.

A servant's work
done at the door,
never by the host,
and certainly never
by the honored guest.

And you may not know this about Jesus-
His greatest acts of leadership
were wrapped in humility.

In that situation,
a good leader
would buoy their faith
by pointing
to past miracles.

A pep talk
before the battle.
A reminder of the power
they had seen
with their own eyes-
the moments
that revealed His authority
and identity-

Instead,
He stood,
He removed
His outer garment-
the heavy,
earth-colored cloak
of dignity-
and laid it aside.

Now wearing His inner tunic,
a simple
cream-colored
linen garment
every man wore
at home.

Then He tied
a long linen towel
around His waist-
the servant's cloth
used to wash feet-
and knotted it once
like a belt,
with its end hanging down,
ready to dry
the disciples' feet.

And He knelt.

The King
of the universe-
dressed like a servant,
on His knees.

And then-
the One who spoke
galaxies
into existence-
washing dust
from the toes
of men
who would soon run.

The One who commands
angels-
washing the feet
of a betrayer,
a denier,
and a roomful
of deserters.

He didn't strengthen them
by pointing back
but by kneeling low.

Where have my feet
picked up dust
today?

Each day
dust settles
on my soul-
compromises,
fears,
frustrations.

That's why I need
His cleansing hands.

Father, draw me
into the Upper Room.

Let me take my place
among the disciples
as Jesus moves toward me
with water
and a towel.

I ask this
in Jesus' name.
Amen.