John 13 - The Basin and the Towel
“After
that, He [Jesus] poured water into a basin
and began to wash the
disciples’ feet,
and to wipe them with the towel with which He was
girded.
…having loved His own
which were in the world,
He loved them unto the
end.” (John 13:5,1)
In Scripture’s museum that time can’t
erase
Where items portray God’s glory,
The basin and the towel have a place
To share their wondrous story.
It’s a tale of love when God’s own hands
Did what most would of a slave demand,
And what Jesus did so beautiful
He bids us do in today’s world still.
And
the basin and the towel live on,
As
His servants serve each other.
In serving
others we serve our King,
Whose
love for us gave everything.
Many people have served me in love,*
With no thought for human applause:
Ellen brought a meal just-because,
Judith mailed me a coffee cup,
Janet did dishes and clean-up,
Mark listened and didn’t condemn,
Priscilla or Sue watched the kids again,
Bill went to work another day.
And
the basin and the towel live on,
As
His servants serve each other.
In serving
others we serve our King,
Whose
love for us gave everything.
So when tomorrow’s duties start
Help me serve You, Lord, from my heart.
As my hands reach to meet the needs
Of those You’ve placed within my care,
May love infuse my thoughts and deeds,
That they see Jesus standing there.
You promise gifts of joy and peace,
May I mirror those as You increase.
And
the basin and the towel live on,
As
His servants serve each other.
In serving
others we serve our King,
Whose
love for us gave everything.
*Way more people than one verse of poetry could list; thank you all! Hebrews 6:10