The Towel Still Preaches

Most people remember Maundy Thursday as the night of the Last Supper.
The night Jesus broke bread. The night He was betrayed.
But before any of that, He picked up a towel.

“So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet…”
—John 13:4–5 (NIV)

He knew what was coming.
He knew Judas had already made plans.
He knew Peter would deny Him.
He knew this meal was His last.

But instead of pulling away, He drew close.
And instead of asking for comfort, He gave it.

Jesus didn’t just serve.
He stooped.

He got down on the floor and washed the feet of men who didn’t deserve it.
And then He said this:

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
—John 13:15

The towel still preaches.
It still says love is more than words.
It still reminds us that ministry is often messy.
And it still challenges us to serve people who may never thank us.

Maybe today you’re tired of doing things no one notices.
Maybe your heart’s a little raw from betrayal or letdown.
Maybe you're walking into rooms where you feel unappreciated or unseen.

Jesus gets it.

He served anyway.

And He invites us to keep showing up.
To keep loving.
To keep washing feet, even when the cross is just ahead.

Because real love looks like a towel in your hand.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for not pulling away from the table. Thank You for loving even when it hurt. Help me serve like You did—with humility, with strength, and with grace. Show me whose feet need washing today, and help me carry the towel with joy.
Amen.