April 8, 2004; Maundy Thursday Readings: Exodus 12:1-14a; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15.   The Rev. Dr. Hilary B. Smith Love That Changes the World "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." The crowds were gone; just the intimate inner circle is present. They do not have long to be together. Soon the innocence of their fellowship will be shattered. Jesus will be betrayed by one closest to him. Even Peter will waiver in his loyalty when put to the test. Greed, fear, and confusion will fracture relationships. Jesus will be disappointed by his friends. Such is the risk of intimacy. None of this will be a surprise to Jesus. He knows the weakness of his followers. He loves them anyway. He knows that many of them will return to him. Knowing them so well, he sees the potential in each one. On this last night, what does he tell them? With all of his thoughts, concerns, and knowledge of the people around him, what does he choose to do? Remember, these are the people who will become known as the followers of the Way. These are the people who will start what will later be know as Christianity. There are the people who will go out and spread the Good News. Much depends on them. Yes, they will be led by the Holy Spirit and guided by their knowledge of the resurrection, but, still much depends on them. On this last night, what does Jesus tell them? What does he tell them to do and to be? Through his words and his actions, he says quite a bit about truth and love. He says quite a bit about what it means to be the church. "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." Love is more than a feeling. Loving someone means that you care for them as best you can through your actions. On this night, we remember that Jesus’ actions with the bread and the wine were done for us. Through our celebration of the Eucharist, we share in his life and are strengthened by his love. "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." This day is called Maundy Thursday. As you may know, the word "Maundy" comes from the Latin Maundatum, which means commandment. This commandment is the new commandment found in John 13:34, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." Maundy Thursday gets its name form that verse, and in the section of John’s gospel read tonight we see the commandment in action. In washing the disciples feet, Jesus is showing his love for them. This is the love that changes the world. This is the love that overcomes violence and hate. This is the love that overcomes destruction and death. This is the love that Jesus told his followers to share with each other. This is the love that they will share with the world. Peter is confused. Is Jesus going to wash his feet? Jesus says, "You do not now know what I am doing, but later you will understand." Would Peter have been less confused if Jesus had handed him a detailed users’ manual for Christianity. Would Peter have been more enthusiastic if Jesus had out lined a strategic plan to be followed in the coming days, months, and years? Instead, Jesus, the Son of God—the Word made Flesh, showed them what love could be. He showed them what would be the basis, the core, the heart of every future strategic plan—every future mission statement. Jesus cared for his followers by washing their feet. His love for them was more than a feeling. He took action that required him to have an intimate moment with another. Authenticity is important during this intimate exchange. Here we see Jesus being himself. He is their Lord and Teacher. Serving and loving in this way does not diminish Jesus. Far from it, the power of this moment comes from the fact that he is their Lord. Jesus remains himself while serving another. In his humility and openness, Jesus’ strength is known. We are called to service that comes from deep within who we are. This is service that comes from strength. This is service that comes from knowing who you are. Such service helps you be who you are called to be. "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." Amen.