Belonging

S - "Jesus knew he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given all things into his hands. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his followers’ feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing. But then he came to Simon Peter, who asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don’t wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don’t really belong to me.”" John 13 TS

O - Jesus is doing more here than teaching, though teaching he is.  This activity is more than an example, but wow what an example.  Jesus is engaging his followers with the terms of belonging.  His terms engage earth at its weakest and worst, not just its strongest and best.  The facts are irrefutable.  All humans end up with dirt which needs to be washed … refusing the washing or pretending there's no longer such a need torpedoes the truth of our condition and the dynamics of real relationship. No pretend here. Heaven is fully prepared for earth and earthlings at their worst.   

A - Jesus came (and still comes) to clarify the person and purposes of God.  We are wanted and loved at our worst not just our best; and at every point in between. Fully and continuously expressed in the person of Jesus, God's relentless love and defiant mercy abound.  Rooted in himself and the reality of love, we're invited to follow in a real relationship; one where no pretend or cover up is allowed.  Our acceptance is based solely on unconditional love. It's the deepest form of belonging one can know.  I am very grateful to be loved and to belong. All that's required is the cooperation of real relationship - my willingness to respond.  Yes, Jesus … I need you to wash my dirty feet.

P - Dear Jesus,

Thank you that in the full recognition of your own person and place, you didn't give a lecture but love. You didn't call humans to better performance but to the reality of relationship.  Thank you for wanting us at our worst … amazing!  I am available to you with all my dirt, not just all my best.  I do love you back.

Steve