Other Sheep

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to many individuals and groups, including an interaction with the disciple Peter, who had just a few days earlier denied ever knowing Jesus.

When properly translated from the original language, the conversation starts with Jesus asking, “Peter, do you love me unconditionally?”  Peter couldn’t bring himself to say “Yes,” so he sidestepped the question and replied, “Lord, you know I love you like a brother.”

Many preachers say Peter’s answer was a cop out.  I, however, think it was right on.

I ask myself what type of love I have for God.  Do I love Him only when things are going well, or do I love Him unconditionally, no matter what life brings?  There’s no way to know until the time comes.  Strange as it seems, following God provides opportunities to find out, through situations that put me at a crossroads.  One fork is the path of trust and unconditional love for God. The other fork is that of confusion, questioning, anger, and maybe even – like Peter – denial.  Sometimes I’ve gone one way, and sometimes another.

Jesus didn’t scold Peter as the preachers do.  Instead, Jesus showed acceptance by giving His friend a great mission: “Feed my lambs.”  That’s the way Jesus is.  He meets me where I am and places value on me anyway.

Years later, Peter himself was crucified, upside down in fact, for his faith.  Although too honest to thump his chest and assert his own abilities, Peter found grace to show unconditional love at the decisive moment.  I trust I’ll find that grace when I need it, too.

Jesus was spending His last evening with His disciples.  For three years, these twelve men had been His top priority.  Now, as they ate their final meal together, Jesus had just a few hours left to make sure that they understood His message and were ready to take that message to the entire world.  It was a huge mission.

To do this, the Bible tells us, Jesus had at His disposal every resource in the universe.  John says: “Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything.” 

A huge mission.  Every resource in the universe at His disposal.  What would Jesus do?

“So He got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around  His waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet.”  (The job of washing guests’ feet was a common practice, reserved for the lowliest servant of the house.)

Given authority over everything, Jesus selected the most powerful tool available, as anyone would.  He knew that there is nothing more significant… more compelling… more mighty  than serving others.  To say I love is one thing.  To humble myself and truly serve those I say I love sends a message that is never forgotten.

Servanthood has the same impact on families, neighborhoods, and workplaces as it did at the last supper.  It’s the most powerful force in the world.