On the night when Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples and instituted the New Covenant meal of Holy Communion, He also taught them with an object lesson of sorts. He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the disciples’ feet. At first Peter ‘objected’ to this until he understood the object of the lesson. Jesus said, “I have just given you an example to follow.” You might say that Jesus was teaching them about the call of discipleship. They were called to wear aprons (or a towel around their waist) and not bibs. Like Jesus had modeled over the course of His entire ministry and earthly life, He had come to serve – even to give His life as a ransom for all sinners.

Bibs are worn by those who only want to be fed. They are for those who seem more interested in being served than in serving. Bibs are for those who believe that the church exists for them and their needs. Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who have not caught God’s vision for the church and call of discipleship (yet).

Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus’ name. Aprons are for disciples who understand that THEY ARE the church! They don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. Aprons are worn by those who are growing and maturing in the faith and hunger to help others grow. Aprons are also worn by those who know they need to take time to be nourished spiritually in God’s Word and Sacraments.

It’s no mistake or after thought that this lesson on servant discipleship was one of Jesus’ last teachings to His disciples. He was emphasizing this core characteristic of true cross-bearing discipleship. And in a matter of hours He would be bearing His cross to Calvary for all sinful mankind. The timing of this lesson was ordained and intentional. The proper time had come. God sent His Son, born of a woman, to redeem those who were subject to the Law and to confer upon them the adoption as His own children! (Gal. 4:4-5)

Friends and fellow disciples of Christ, let’s put our aprons on! Perhaps we ought to have a Sunday where we ask everyone to come to worship wearing an apron. As we are fed in God’s Word in worship and Bible class and/or a small group, as we are nurtured in prayer and fellowship, let us get up from the table and wash feet in Jesus’ name. We are all parts of the Body of Christ, the church, called to share and teach the Good News and to wash away sin in the waters of Holy Baptism. Let us be built up and build one another up in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit. Amen? AMEN!

~ Pastor Dennis J. Krueger