Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Family that exists in Style of Service  

John 13:1-15

Jesus understood family not merely as a biological unit, but as a spiritual community committed to the will of the Father. He attempted to form the discipleship community as an extended family. Through today’s reading portion we are invited to focus our attention to the last one of the table fellowships Jesus enjoyed with his ‘family’. The actions, Interactions and attitudes in the discipleship community give us much insight to reflect on our own family and social relationship.
The participation of the disciples in the table reflects three attitudes we usually observe. Judas involve in the table with a hidden face or mask. He has his own intention and motive in joining the meal. He hides his wickedness in the expressions of love that turns out to be a treat to this family. He is an example for using the most sacred family relationships for the gratification of self interest. In such a family environment the members becomes vulnerable. Peter’s initial hesitation to be washed by Jesus reflects his detachment or noninvolvement in the family. He participates in the fellowship without allowing himself to be part of it. Such involvements are often seen in families where members become mere spectators. Peters request to be washed as a whole without understanding the meaning and need of it reflects the mechanical and mere ‘ritualistic’ actions in family, social and religious life. Such actions make life monotonous, dry and meaningless. Even symbols of love, without the touch of real love and understanding become passionless.
In this context Jesus becomes the embodiment of love. The expression, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (v.2) indicates the passion that drove Jesus into the relationship. The feeling of owning is the underlying experience in the family. The knowledge that each person is my own or an extension of own self helps to elevate from possessiveness to responsibility. It is the knowledge “that the Father had given all things into his hands” (v.3) that moves Jesus to the action of washing the feet. This is an expression of love which reinterprets the authority over the ‘possession’. While stating that Jesus has control and authority over everything, his action proclaims that the authority is not to control but to serve. He is not dictating the discipleship community but forming it as a family for God. He disrobes himself from the attire of the master to put on the coat of the servant. Such a stooping is inevitable to win the family for God; to conquer the hearts of the world for God.
Family that exists in Style of Service   John 13:1-15
Jesus understood family not merely as a biological unit, but as a spiritual community committed to the will of the Father. He attempted to form the discipleship community as an extended family. Through today’s reading portion we are invited to focus our attention to the last one of the table fellowships Jesus enjoyed with his ‘family’. The actions, Interactions and attitudes in the discipleship community give us much insight to reflect on our own family and social relationship.
The participation of the disciples in the table reflects three attitudes we usually observe. Judas involve in the table with a hidden face or mask. He has his own intention and motive in joining the meal. He hides his wickedness in the expressions of love that turns out to be a treat to this family. He is an example for using the most sacred family relationships for the gratification of self interest. In such a family environment the members becomes vulnerable. Peter’s initial hesitation to be washed by Jesus reflects his detachment or noninvolvement in the family. He participates in the fellowship without allowing himself to be part of it. Such involvements are often seen in families where members become mere spectators. Peters request to be washed as a whole without understanding the meaning and need of it reflects the mechanical and mere ‘ritualistic’ actions in family, social and religious life. Such actions make life monotonous, dry and meaningless. Even symbols of love, without the touch of real love and understanding become passionless.
In this context Jesus becomes the embodiment of love. The expression, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (v.2) indicates the passion that drove Jesus into the relationship. The feeling of owning is the underlying experience in the family. The knowledge that each person is my own or an extension of own self helps to elevate from possessiveness to responsibility. It is the knowledge “that the Father had given all things into his hands” (v.3) that moves Jesus to the action of washing the feet. This is an expression of love which reinterprets the authority over the ‘possession’. While stating that Jesus has control and authority over everything, his action proclaims that the authority is not to control but to serve. He is not dictating the discipleship community but forming it as a family for God. He disrobes himself from the attire of the master to put on the coat of the servant. Such a stooping is inevitable to win the family for God; to conquer the hearts of the world for God.
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to discern the essence of the family relationship and find its blessings through total self-surrender.

Rev. Denny Philip
Diocesan/Bishop's Secretary

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