Love Just Is

A simple gesture of humility and service can make a powerful statement.

The night before Jesus' crucifixion, He entered the room where the disciples had gathered, the same disciples who had been debating the seemingly important question of which of them was the greatest. Jesus, acting with intention and humility, picks up a towel and basin of water, and taking the place of the lowest of servants, begins to wash the feet of the disciples. Clearly, the idea that he had come to serve others was more than a nice slogan or vision statement - it was the reality of Jesus' heart, character, and behavior.

That moment, just on the surface, is enough to convict and challenge me in regard to the priorities of my life. But as I look beyond the surface, I consider those sitting around that room, those that Jesus kneels before in the position of a servant. I see James and John who delighted in calling down the fire of judgment and openly campaigned for positions of honor. I see Peter who, despite his promises and great proclamations, will act like a coward and deny any knowledge of this Jesus. I see the "rational" and doubting Thomas who will reject the testimonies of resurrection. And then there is Judas. In just a little while, he will turn his back in betrayal against the very one who is washing his feet. As I look around that room, at those being served by Jesus, I cannot escape this thought: they don't deserve it.

This act of humility reveals the amazing quality of Jesus' love. His love is not based on what we deserve or do not deserve, it is not founded what we have done or what we will do. It just is. This incredible, unconditional love was offered without strings and was demonstrated in the laying down of His life for the undeserving. And now we are called to follow this Jesus.

We have a lot of ways of erecting barriers between the church and the world. For that matter, we have a lot of ways of erecting barriers within the church. One of our wall-building methods is trying to determine who deserves to be served, cared for, and loved. We decide who is worthy of our efforts and attention based on who they are in our eyes, what they have done or not done, or what we think they can offer. The way of Jesus, though, is the path of loving and serving for the sake of loving and serving. It is poured out extravagantly, without regard for what is deserved and with no demand for anything in return. It just is.

In the same way, may our love and service just be.