Maundy Thursday 2007

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Pastor Gayle M. Pope

A Circle of Love

Often times you will hear it said that the church is like a family. People will even say, “My church IS my family.” Or they will refer to “my church family.” It’s an appropriate image for the church, and especially for the congregation. After all, the Bible says that believers in Jesus are children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sometimes, though, when church growth and outreach is being discussed, congregations are advised to DOWNPLAY this family image because it can make the church seem in-hospitable to visitors. When everyone seems to know one another and they’re all talking about what’s happening in each other’s lives, the visitor becomes painfully aware of his or her status as an outsider.

Another reason we’re told to downplay family terminology is that, for some people, “family” is actually a negative concept – as in, if this church is anything like MY family, I want nothing to do with it!

Well – those are some good points to keep in mind when we consider the way we treat visitors. But, in general, it makes sense to think of the church, and especially of the congregation, as a family. And it’s especially appropriate tonight as we consider the words and actions of our Lord on his final night with his disciples.

First, let it be said that membership in God’s family is open to anyone and everyone. All are welcome. There is no exclusivity.

But, there IS a difference between those who are members of the family and those who are not. The difference is a matter of faith. By faith in Jesus, we are born again into this family. In our Baptism, we receive new life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who share in this life have a spiritual connection. We are united in the Body of Christ.

The words and actions of Jesus on this night before he died were directed to his disciples – to those who believe that Jesus is who he says he is – those who have a share in his life and in his death. This is “family” business. The family business for that evening involved two activities – eating together and serving each other.

And both these activities are connected by LOVE – the love of God the Father for Jesus; the love of Jesus for the Father and for his followers, and the love of his followers for Jesus and for one another. It’s a big circle of love. Not sweet and sappy love. But love that is willing to lay down one’s life – literally and figuratively – for the sake of the other.

By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus is showing us that serving one another in humility and selflessness is our highest calling. If our Lord and Master and King of the Universe does this, how can we expect any less of ourselves?

Jesus emptied himself of his heavenly glory and status and came to earth in human form. He laid aside his glory to live as the obedient servant of God the Father, even to the point of literally giving his life to accomplish God’s plan of salvation for all humankind.

And that leads to the second part of the evening – the meal. At his Last Supper Jesus instituted the meal in which we participate in the new covenant God has established with us – forgiveness and new life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. In this family meal, we are connected to one another and to our Lord in a way that is beyond our understanding but no less real.

So … tonight we are together as a family of believers in Jesus. This is a time in the life of our church family when the kind of love and service that Jesus commanded us to do is giving many of us a good work out. As I see you ministering to one another as families deal with cancer in our midst, it is beautiful to behold.

I am honored to be a servant to such a loving family. And to have the privilege to share this meal with you, in unity with our Lord. Amen.