My mom will sometimes talk about how I wanted to be a good helper when I was a toddler. I would see her cooking in the kitchen and want to get involved. Following her around as she collected items to make our meal, I would close doors to the pantry, cabinet and refrigerator that she had carelessly left open. That seemed pretty helpful! Only as it turns out, she wasn’t careless. She just wasn’t done with that door yet and needed something else from behind it. I thought I knew what was best, but in my helping I created more work for my mom. Luckily I was still pretty cute back then and kept letting me help. Maybe you have young ones in your life who have really “helped” you with your projects as well.
In the 13th chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples; a role traditionally reserved for servants. When Jesus approaches Peter to wash his feet, however, Peter exclaims, “No! You will never wash my feet!” (John 13:9 [CEB]). Seems pretty inappropriate for Peter to say this to Jesus so strongly, doesn’t it? But Peter, I believe, thought he was being helpful. He was protecting Jesus and the plans of Jesus… at least the plans of Jesus as Peter had created in his head. Peter imagined Jesus needed to remain powerful and authoritative. Perhaps he saw himself as the protector of Jesus’ ministry and legacy. Peter thought he was running interference for the mission of Jesus when actually his understanding of who Jesus was supposed to be was interfering with who Jesus actually was.
That Christ would display strength through submission is still a stumbling block for those of us who claim to Christ’s followers. We try to be good helpers by advancing the mission of Christ through domination and will power, but instead we betray the essence of Christ who champions humility, servanthood, and sacrifice.
If I had really paid attention to what my mom was trying to do in the kitchen, I would have been a better helper instead of being in the way. When Peter chastised Jesus he did not understand what Jesus was about, but he soon would. And as we approach Good Friday, so will we. May we use this Lenten season to pay attention and remember what it means to follow Christ so that we might not interfere with the cause of Christ.
Prayer: Holy God, align our hearts and minds with Yours so that we might live and love more like Your Christ. Amen.
Written By: Nick Scott