Section 163:6a
A Sacred Covenant

Discernment Activity

Jane Gardner has focused on servant ministry as a central element of priesthood call. All disciples are called to serve but priesthood are invited into a sacred covenant of serving and caring for God’s people. Perhaps no other scripture better illustrates the servant ministry Jesus models for his disciples than the washing of the disciples’ feet. The following reflection takes us into this scripture and asks us to discern our own sense of being served and becoming a servant minister. It can be done individually or in a small-group setting.

Spend several minutes relaxing in a time of silent prayer. Ask to be open to deeper awareness of the meaning of servant ministry, especially as it relates to priesthood calling.

Scripture: Read John 13:1–17 slowly, to get a sense of the story.

Read through the following meditation (or have another person read it to you). Close your eyes and allow scenes from the story to come alive as images or feelings. If you are alone you may want to read the passage several times and then close your eyes to enter into the scene.
Guided Meditation: Imagine yourself at the Passover table with Jesus and the disciples. You see the low wooden table covered perfectly in white linen. Light from the hanging lamps plays in shadows from the goblets and dishes that are carefully laid out on the table. You can smell the roasted lamb, the pungent smell of bitter herbs, and the fresh-baked unleavened bread. But now, you can also smell another odor, an unpleasant odor that mars the sanctity of this feast, the disgusting odor of tired, unwashed feet. The servants should have already taken care of this! The bowl and towel are even laid out on the back table.

As you look around the room, you notice there are no servants tonight; only the disciples of Jesus are at this feast. You observe the expressions of the other disciples. Some in embarrassment have tucked their feet underneath them, out of sight. You also notice your own feet are among the worst offenders. Someone really needs to get up and wash these feet!

As you focus your attention on Jesus, you watch his expression as he looks around the table at his disciples. Be aware of your feelings as he looks at each disciple and then directly at you. He doesn’t expect you to do it does he? You’re no lowly servant; you’re a disciple of the Messiah.

Then Jesus gets up, removes his outer clothing and wraps himself in a towel. He takes a pitcher and bowl in hand. What is he going to do? Surely the Master is not going to do a lowly servants job. But then he kneels before the closest disciples and begins to gently wash their feet, pouring the refreshing water on their poor, tired soles.

• What are the expressions on their faces as Jesus lovingly massages the dirt from their feet?
• How do you feel as you watch Jesus cleansing their feet?

After rinsing and drying their feet, Jesus moves on to Peter. You hear Peter admonishing the Lord not to wash his feet. But the Lord gently replies, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Peter, always passionate, asks the Lord to wash his head and hands as well, but Jesus gently lets him know that washing his feet is enough, and proceeds to do so. Jesus comes to you, and you ask, “You would wash my feet Lord?” Pay attention to your own feelings. Do you feel awe, horror, love, or confusion while watching your Lord kneel before you? Allow yourself to quietly receive Jesus’ loving response.

Discernment Questions

Spend several minutes in silent listening prayer, then reflect on the following questions:

• What did I experience while meditating on this scripture story?

• How does this story deepen my sense of call to servant ministry?

• How is my ministry and discipleship a sacred covenant to serve and bless God’s people?

If you are doing this activity in a group, offer time to share any insights or experiences the members may wish to offer.

—Leigh Ann Petersen
Wichita, Kansas, USA