Thursday 4th of May
“Whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me.”
John 13:16-20
In today’s reading, Jesus is speaking to his disciples directly after the washing of the feet. At the last supper, he demonstrates through his actions the way the disciples are called to humbly serve, and then follows with this dialogue. He is preparing the disciples for service and mission, and tells them that whoever receives them, receives Jesus himself. And whoever receives Jesus, receives the one who sent him, God himself. This is not the first time Jesus speaks like this. In another passage, he says ‘whatever you do to the least of these, you do it to me.’ Followers of Jesus are called to serve. How do we approach service to others? Do we do so with a humble heart, as if we are serving Jesus himself? Can I recognise any self-centred motives or ambitions within me? We can talk to Jesus about these, knowing we are known, chosen, trusted and sent.