“Dinner will be special tonight.” (a rough translation, mostly because I don’t really speak Spanish…) “We will be eating on the porch, sitting on the ground. It is important that you understand the significance of John 13.”
Later we found a feast laid before us. Tall candles lit the table; no silverware, only bowls. Dried fruit, nuts, humus and some vegetables, figs, grapes, a bowl full of bread, and a pitcher of juice. We bundled up against the chilly breeze, but truly the warmth of the moment washed over each of us. This was a special dinner.
He began to explain each of the elements, from which side to recline on and which hand to eat with, traditional foods that would have been present, and the significance of the seats; the seat of honor, the seat of friend and the seat of servant. We opened to John 13. The servant always sat in a place where he could wash the feet of everyone at the dinner. But instead Jesus got up and began to wash the feet of the disciples. He ended with Peter, the one who was actually in the position of the servant. Peter was undone, “Lord, what are you doing? …I can’t let you wash my feet!” That resonates. Those moments of brash humility that we see in Peter so often, it resonates. All of the times he is moved with passion for the Lord, and all the times he messes it all up. It resonates.
“He sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” v. 12-15
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” v. 34-35
“I love you, I forgive you, and I give my life for you.” Washing their feet was just the beginning. If only Peter knew the extent that the Lord was willing to go.
My mind wanders to the scenes that follow. Peter in the garden, falling asleep while they pray, cutting off the soldiers ear. The denial of Jesus during the trial, watching his Lord be crucified and the deep confusion that followed. Running to the tomb and finding it empty. The encounter with Christ in the upper room and all the mystery it left them with. It was probably full of emotion… joy was restored at the sight of their Savior, realizing he’s alive. But also so many questions in their hearts, still not understanding. I think of how Peter returned to the one thing he knew; fishing. The time on the beach, weeks later where his is able to embrace the Lord and walk with him once again. And I think of that intimate moment, where Jesus asks, “Peter, do you love me?” And his desperate response, “Yes Lord, I love you!” Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep. Follow me…
I think something changed in Peter that day. I think it was a moment of divine maturing perhaps, where he left behind his childish ways. His passion was no longer reckless, but focused on one thing.
I don’t know what this means for me. I don’t know what the Lord is working in me….
All I know is that I found myself in the seat of Peter at that Last Supper.
