HOLY WEEK - WASHING THE DISCIPLES' FEET

"...Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end...got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." (John 13: 1, 4, 5)

The basin and the towel,
And Jesus on His knees,
What graciousness is here,
What holy mysteries!
How needs of mine assail me when
I watch the Master and His men.

Such love He bore His own,
All selfless to the end,
To take the servant’s part,
On dusty knee to bend,
And girded with humility
He kneels to minister to me.

His lowliness is might,
His meekness is majesty,
His holy hands can touch
A traitor lovingly!
Let pride be broken when it sees
That kingly love upon its knees.

The basin brims with grace
As Jesus comes again;
He holds the towel to me
To serve men in His name.
To share such Christly ministries
I can but fall upon my knees.

Edward Read (Commissioner)