Thursday, 7:30pm...1,977 Years Ago

7:30pm. Dinner has progressed. The disciples are finishing the main portions of the meal... and enjoying the time spent with their Teacher.

And, now Jesus begins the second lesson of the evening. The Passover Feast was supposed to be eaten a certain way. Exodus 12 says "This is the way you must eat it: You must be fully dressed as if you were going on a trip. You must have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand. You must eat it in a hurry; this is the Lord's Passover." As best we can tell in the scriptures, this was not the case with his disciples. They reclined at the table...they enjoyed the fellowship...they "relaxed" and talked.

Then, Probably an hour into the meal...actually right about now, Jesus removes his outer robe, wraps a towel around his waist and begins to pour a basin full of water. Can you hear it? He moves slowly, but deliberately around the table...washing the feet of each disciple...but why? The Passover was preparation for a "trip," but Jesus was acting like they were being welcomed into his home. The Passover was eaten quickly as if God's people were expecting God to rescue them soon, but Jesus was taking his time as if God had already rescued them. And, to top it off, washing feet was the job of the least important servant in the house...NOT the job of a Rabbi.

After tonight, the Passover would no longer be necessary...God was welcoming people home... Jesus was the rescuer...and because "he loved them all the way to the end," he served.
And the disciples sat there, with their feet wet...learning about love...love that shows itself through service.