Thurs., Apr. 13, 2017

John 13:15 – Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

Last week, one of the Wednesday Night Church School (WNCS) kids from one of the church’s I serve lost a tooth. Sophie is in 1^st grade. A sweet, sweet little girl, Sophie is as cute as a button. Even more cute missing some of her teeth. But the little random act of kindness she did upon losing her tooth should be an example to us all.

You see, Sophie received $5 from the Tooth Fairy. (Wow … the Tooth Fairy has deemed the price for teeth has dramatically increased in, well, a lot of years!) Last Sunday, on Palm Sunday, Sophie quietly brought her $5 to church and put it in the jar labeled for Mrs. Morgan. Mrs. Morgan is an aid at school. She has been going through cancer treatment this winter. As part of our WNCS, we designate a mission project each semester.  Our current mission project is Mrs. Morgan. Sweet little Sophie decided Mrs. Morgan needed the $5 from the Tooth Fairy much more than she did.

Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

This week, a card came to the church addressed to me. I noticed the hand writing. A card had also arrived in March. With $25. Written inside the April card, along with another $25, was this: “Wishing you and your congregation all the blessings of this special season – Please add this to your mission fund – to help with the children’s costs or where ever it is needed. Thank you.” No name. For the second month in a row. Last month, we put the $25 towards the Easter Egg Hunt held last weekend at the church. This month, maybe it will go towards the WNCS end-of-the-year pizza party where kids find out who their Secret Pal is. Their Secret Pal has been quietly sending them cards all year. It’s a fun way to end the kid’s Christian education program.

Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

Tonight, we celebrate Maundy Thursday. It remembers the last night Jesus spent with his disciples. They celebrated the Passover meal together. During the highly symbolic meal, Jesus reinterpreted the meal. We call this reinterpretation Holy Communion.

Before they celebrated the meal together, Jesus first washed the disciple’s feet. This job is usually relegated to the lowliest servant present. Why? Because who really wants to wash a bunch of smelly, stinky feet? No one. Unless they have to. Except this night, Jesus willing washed the disciple’s feet. Why? Listen to his words.

Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

It probably didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. But it was. It probably doesn’t seem like a big deal a little girl gave the $5 she received from the Tooth Fairy to a mission project. But it is. It probably doesn’t seem like much that some nice person decides to send $25 to the church every month. But to me … it IS a big deal. Why? Because, whether Sophie or this person know it or not, they are doing it. They are following Jesus’ example.

What little (or big) thing can you do in the next 72 hours to follow Jesus’ example and do something extra in honor of what has been done for you?

Holy God – there is no way we can ever really thank you for what Jesus did on our behalf. It is simply impossible. I pray we can find simple and yet meaningful ways to do to others as has been done for us.  Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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