You're gonna wash my feet??

I can't believe it. My first year of seminary has come to an end! This year has been quite challenging and rewarding. I have a long road ahead, but for now I am celebrating a mini-victory in completion of year one...and a nice break for the summer :)

In all honesty there have been numerous times that I questioned my decision to come to seminary. Although confident overall that I made the right choice, there are those occasional moments of doubt. When I'm overcome by a moment of weakness, a nighttime stroll around campus does me good.

Inevitably I end up in the courtyard walking by a statue of Jesus washing Simon Peter's feet. I am compelled, drawn in, and broken as I recall the story. First of all, it’s plain to see the uneasiness on Peter's face. He's frozen (nevermind it's a statue :) -almost grimacing. His body language is one of timidity. It's plain to see that he's uncomfortable with the whole thing! After all, why should His Lord and King be washing his feet?? It should be the other way around and Peter knows this (John 13:6-8). What Jesus is doing by example is way more powerful than any story. He knows this is one of those things He will have to demonstrate for His disciples to grasp. Servant leadership at its finest.

What makes Peter cringe is the lesson he is learning. See, as the King of Kings lowers himself to the task of foot washing, Peter instantly realizes he has no excuse for not doing the same. Even Jesus says afterwards, "Do as I did to you" (John 13:15). As Jesus is clothed in humility Peter is draped in pride.

I don't know about you but I share more in Peter's pride than Jesus' humility. I recall the countless opportunities I've missed out on serving others because I was unwilling to “stoop down" out of embarrassment or pride. So many missed opportunities that are gone forever. By God's grace I resist the temptation to ask for more opportunities. For I know I will only come up woefully short again. All I can offer is a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).

Each time I walk away from that statue I am reassured of my decision to be here. The reassurance comes from the fact that this life is not about me. It's about Him. Why? Because He lived a life of service and sacrifice for you and me. "Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). I am in awe at our Lord. To think that He would stoop so low for me blows me away. In reality, he has stooped much lower than foot washing to save a sinner like me.

Onward,
GrantJ