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Big Book Media
Big Book Media

The Towel Test

Thursday March 29 2018

The Very Rev Dr James Simpson reflects on Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

On the walls of Mahatma Gandhi’s simple home there hung a picture of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

Although Mahatma Gandhi never joined the church, he had a profound admiration for Jesus and what he stood for.

A group of Chinese Christians were once asked what it was about Jesus that had most impressed them. Various replies were given before one of them said, “The washing of the disciples’ feet.”

On hearing this, there was general agreement that that incident was the most moving. That a revered teacher should overstep the boundaries of class and position, and assume the role of a servant, moved them deeply.

What is it we remember about our Lord’s days on earth? We recall that Jesus had a friendly conversation with a woman in Samaria whom everyone else despised, that he went and dined with Zaccheus, a tax-gatherer, that he stopped and talked to a blind beggar, that he took a towel and a basin. It is ordinary, commonplace things that are remembered about the central character of the centuries.

Speaking about discipleship, Jesus said: “He who would be great among you, let him become the servant of all… Happiness comes more through giving than getting… Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me."

After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus said: “If I your Lord and Master have washed your feet, you ought also to wash one another’s feet.”

I find it significant that the person remembered with most honour from the 13th century, is a man who cared for the poor, and who taught others to care. The kings and rulers of his day are forgotten, but not St Francis of Assisi. Most of us have forgotten who the generals were in the Crimean War, but we remember a nurse who cared for wounded and dying soldiers.

God seems to run his universe on the basis that only greatness based on service, will last. History seems to right things in the long run. True aristocracy lies not in genealogy, fame, or wealth, but in service and usefulness.

Does our concept of discipleship pass the towel test?


The Very Rev Dr James Simpson is the former minister of Dornoch Cathedral. His books are published by Steve Savage

Yesterday: A Bitter Blow

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