Thought for the Week - 24th March 2024

Dear Friends,

Today is Palm Sunday, and we once again begin the events of Holy Week as we remember Jesus’ final journey that leads to the Crucifixion on Good Friday, the silence of Easter Saturday, and then the celebration of Easter Day when Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. Tucked into the gospel of John and chapter 13 we read the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. We remember this event on Maundy Thursday together with the Lord’s Supper, as Jesus directed his followers to ‘Do this in remembrance of me’ as we share in bread and wine. The act of Jesus washing his friends’ feet was an act of humility, and he says, ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14). He gives this instruction for us to follow, and he models servanthood in a most memorable and dramatic way, showing his servant attitude to his disciples and meaning that even if God in the flesh is willing to serve in this way, then we his followers should also be willing to serve to the glory of God. I’m reminded of words from the Graham Kendrick song From heaven you came, which says, ‘So let us learn how to serve, and in our lives enthrone Him; each other’s needs to prefer, for it is Christ we’re serving – This is our God, the Servant King.’ May we be inspired to serve God with the gifts he has given to us and show the humility of Jesus in all that we do.

Grace and peace,

Neil

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