Like any good parent, teacher, or coach, Jesus prepares the first disciples and us when He says, “From now on, I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM.” In this case, Jesus, during His teaching about serving others in God’s Name, mentions that one of them will betray Him.
Jesus infers that He knows who this person is and that he is close to Jesus and them. This prophetic knowledge reinforces His claim that He is their Savior, sent by the Father. We all need to have Jesus’ Word prepare us to believe in Him, especially when we face disappointments in relationships, whether at home or with friends or colleagues, but especially if they involve our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him. He also knew how this betrayal would anger and disrupt the bonds of trust with those closest to Jesus. He prepares them to continue to believe in God the Father’s mission for Jesus and to be carried out by them in the future.
And a vital element of this mission is the disposition of humble service. Jesus makes the clear point that no messenger is greater than the one who sent him. That’s the humility of understanding when we serve God; we don’t do it for the praise, even if we receive it—for we help others in God’s Name, not ours.
On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles. Why? He did it to show them if the Lord of the Universe could take the most menial role in helping another, that this is what they and we are called to do. Jesus came to serve and not be served. So, to be a Christian means to follow His way, not just in theory but in actual service to others.
Now this didn’t mean that the apostles would only wash people’s feet—this was only the vehicle for helping them to understand the mindset and the relationship to God and all those they met in teaching, leading, and sanctifying people’s lives.
So, this leaves me with some questions of reflection:
How often do I need to remind myself that I’m here to serve God, to help those in my family, friends, colleagues, and even those I meet seemingly by accident?
Secondly, can I see the importance of the “low-level” or “menial” acts of service both in terms of the task and in giving witness to not being above those works?
And, lastly, do I recognize that being a Christian means being of service not once a year, season, month, or even a week, but every day, even when I’m weary….?
My brothers and sisters, Jesus told the Apostles, and He tells us: “If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” May God give us the grace to serve every day, in every opportunity we can, and bring His love and care to those we serve.
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