By: Brian Harris
I don’t know if you enjoy the Peanuts cartoon characters but in one memorable sketch the ever philosophical Linus bursts out: “I love humanity – its people I can’t stand.”
Love is so much easier when it’s theoretical. And there are indeed some extraordinary visions of what love is.
A Breathtaking Portrait of Love
St Paul’s portrait in 1 Cor 13 is breathtaking. Do you remember this part of it: “Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth… love never fails…“ Beautiful – truly beautiful – a gorgeous passage to read at weddings – but what does it mean in practice?
Love in Action: The Upper Room
If you want to see love in action, turn to John 13:1-17. Jesus and his disciples have arrived at the room where they will eat their last meal together before Jesus’ crucifixion. Usually before a meal of this significance there would be a servant present who would wash the dust from each person’s feet. After all, this was a dusty climate and people wore open sandals – yes the disciples feet were dirty, and that didn’t seem right when they were sitting down to a sacred Passover meal together. So in the absence of a servant, the unacknowledged question was: Who will do the footwashing?
The Awkward Silence—and Jesus’ Stunning Choice
Clearly it would be the lowest of the disciples – but who was that? No one wanted to acknowledge their lowly status, so an awkward turning a blind eye takes place. It’s as though by mutual consent the disciples agree to say nothing about their dusty feet. And then love in action takes place… Jesus stands up, removes his outer garment, drapes a towel around himself, pours a bowl of water, and systematically works his way around the room washing each of their feet. It is simultaneously profoundly moving and beautiful, while also being deeply uncomfortable. Why is it Jesus who is doing this menial task?
Peter expresses the awkwardness of the group. “No, no” he objects. “You will never wash my feet.” But Jesus replies that unless he allows him to, he will no longer be part of the band of disciples. “If that’s the case” Peter blurts out, then wash my hands and head as well. Jesus looks at him in bemusement…Effectively he say “Don’t be silly. I’m only cleaning what needs cleaning. Love is not theoretical. It is established in moments like these. It’s down to earth. It isn’t about position, or how dignified you are or aren’t – it’s about doing what is needed. And at the moment in this room there were a dozen set of feet that needed cleaning, so that’s what I am doing.”
I’m old enough to remember the 1964 version of My Fair Lady where an exasperated Eliza Dolittle – absolutely frustrated at the non stop talk of love expressed by her suitor Freddie, bursts out:
Words words, I’m so sick of words
Don’t talk of stars
Burning above;
If you’re in love,
Show me!
Show me….
Three Layers of Meaning
For all that, the exchange between Jesus and Peter establishes three points. At level one, there were feet needing to be cleaned – so Jesus did that. At level two, there are always menial practical things to be done, and none of his disciples should consider themselves too high and mighty to do them. Jesus reminds them that he has set an example for them. They should do comparable things. And then at the third level, this was a symbol of the cleansing the disciples would receive through the Cross of Jesus – and remember the crucifixion was about a dozen hours away. The weight of sin would be washed away through the blood and death of Jesus – it’s a profound mystery, but deeply true. This is love – love in action.
The Question We Can’t Dodge
So here’s the question? What does love in action look like for you? No theoretical answers wanted. Sorry, “I love humanity, it’s people I can’t stand” won’t hack it. But eyes open to the footwashing needed… eyes open that lead to ears listening and to feet moving and to hands doing… yeah, that kind of love is Jesus kind of love. And when things go badly wrong, it’s a love that makes forgiveness possible. That kind of love, is love in action.
Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.
About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.
Feature image: Canva
