Your Towel

Read through the Gospels in a Year: Luke 9:28-36
Read the New Testament in a Year: 1 Thessalonians 1
[Jesus] wrapped a towel around his waist … . and began to wash his disciples’ feet. —John 13:4-5

When Jesus was transfigured, Peter wanted to build three shelters. Luke comments, “He did not know what he was saying.” Though the disciples spent time with Jesus, witnessed many miracles, and heard his amazing teaching, they often did not grasp what it meant to follow him. Later in that same chapter, for example, Luke writes, “They did not understand” (9:45).

Humanly speaking, Jesus would have had good reason to impatiently “throw in the towel” as he worked with these disciples. Throughout his entire teaching and preaching ministry they often showed that they had barely learned anything.

But it’s a cynic who throws in the towel, not a servant.

The Savior, on the night before his death, instead of throwing in the towel, he wrapped it around his waist and proceeded to show his disciples that life in the kingdom of God is about humbly serving others. “I have set you an example,” Jesus says (John 13:15). Will we follow it? Serving others in Jesus’ name can be uncomfortable, humbling, and even painful. It can be costly. Bringing glory to God can be inglorious to ourselves. What will you do with your towel?