“So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself.” John 13:4

I read these words today as I opened up to the gospel of John to reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but only John includes the footwashing of the disciples’. Today, “laid aside His robe,” stopped me in my tracks. The beating, torture, and crucifixion were drawing near. I’m fascinated how He spent His time leading up to them; what His actions show us about His priorities.

He spent His time serving the very people who would be hiding in fear shortly following the footwashing. He spent His last days reassuring them of what was to come so that they would believe. (Verse 19)He shared truth with the ones He loved and even into those who would believe in the future. (John 17)

In the midst of the crisis we face with the coronavirus pandemic, I have experienced a myriad of conflicting emotions and thoughts. I’ve been so happy that my family is getting more quality time together, baking, playing games and doing what we enjoy. Yet I’ve been heartbroken that they don’t get to enjoy their normal, day to day activities with their friends, teachers and coaches. The uncertainty, changing of plans and suffering all around has been overwhelming. Just yesterday, we thought there may be a chance they’d get to go back to school and our “normal” could return sooner than later. Today, we are settling into the reality that that’s not the case. 

Truthfully, it’s too much for any of us to handle well. Jesus was approaching His darkest hour. He faced that deep darkness for us. Yet, we find him here, setting his robe aside and serving those He loved by washing their feet, a service reserved for a slave. This is not uncharacteristic of Him. 

He laid aside heaven when He came down for us. (Philippians 2:7)

He laid aside His glory. (Philippians 2:6-8, Isaiah 53:1-10)

He laid aside His rights. (Philippians 2:7-8)

He laid aside His life. (Romans 5:8)

He laid aside His robe and took up a towel, wrapping it around Himself… to wash His disciples feet.(John 13:4-5)

He changed His clothes.

What might we lay aside in order to humbly serve in our current crisis? They may be the robes of titles we carry such as teacher, full-time working mom, stay-at-home mom, Bible study leader, church worship leader, coach, speaker, administrator, etc. If not the entire title, at least the way we traditionally play these roles has perhaps seen it’s darkest hour. Can we humbly lay it aside like the robe of Jesus was that evening? What robe is God asking you to lay aside to serve those closest to you? 

Jesus tells us to do so and leads by example. He is worthy of this sacrifice and will meet His children in the midst. I know I’m not alone when I say I have had to change clothes a lot in these past few weeks. Taking all of these adjustments one day at a time and seeking to lay aside my norm has been challenging. I pray you’re finding true strength day by day to do the same.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Cheering you on Always,