Written by professors, graduates, and others in
the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary community, these reflections, prayers, and spiritual practices will take you along the journey with Jesus through the cross toward resurrection.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
• Psalm 147
• John 13:21–32
Judas’ feet were clean, after all. They were as clean as the feet of Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, of James and his brother John. As clean as the feet of Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeuus, Thaddaeus, and Simon. Twenty-four feet’s worth of accumulated grit and grime, wounds and wear had just been washed and wiped afresh, one by one, by the loving hands of Jesus, back at the beginning of chapter 13.
Judas’ heart was not as clean. The gospel writer tells us that the devil planted betrayal in Judas’ heart, that this fulfillment of scripture is no secret to Jesus. With troubled breath Jesus testifies to the disciples draped around the table, “One of you will betray me!” Before the puzzled looks have time to resolve, Jesus passes the telltale piece of bread to the betrayer. Judas is out the door and into the darkness to do what he is going to do. And on the heels of Judas’ exit, in response to this betrayal, Jesus bursts into doxology. Into a repeated chorus of how God will be glorified in all of this, and how Jesus will be glorified, and how all of this is happening right now in front of our eyes with more of God’s glory to come.
Filthy feet and a loving Christ who kneels to wash us. Betraying hearts and a faithful God who sings glory into our darkness. Psalm 147:1 invites us to sing back to God in response to God’s faithful and steadfast love: Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for God is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
Gracious God, In this holy week, help us to see and confess the ways that we betray you, one another, and ourselves. When our spirit is troubled in the confusion and pain of betraying and being betrayed, guide us through it by your glorious grace and mercy. Through Christ our Savior, Amen.
– The Reverend Katie Bywaters Cummings (MDiv’05)
Pastor, F irst Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Arkansas, and Member of the Austin Seminary Board of Trustees
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