Preaching: Rev. Dr. Kathryn Campbell

Power struggles surround Jesus during his final hours while he models a completely different way of leadership. In our charged world where everyone seems to be grasping for control and influence, this Maundy Thursday reflection offers a timely alternative.

The disciples' behavior at the Last Supper reveals our human tendency to miss what matters most. While Jesus speaks of sacrifice and service, they argue about who's the greatest. Judas has already sold out his teacher for silver. The contrast couldn't be sharper between those clawing for power and Jesus who embodies humble service.

This tension between power and humility continues today. Some people wield influence like a weapon, puffing out their chests to demand attention. Others, like Pope Francis who recently appeared in a simple poncho with oxygen apparatus visible after serious illness, demonstrate that true authority doesn't require pomp or pretense. As one commentator noted, "It's not that Francis is ceasing to be pope by dressing like an ordinary man. It's precisely because of that that he is more so than ever."

The haunting question emerges: whom do you choose to serve? Do you serve power or do you serve through humility? Jesus didn't distinguish himself with special vestments or trappings of authority. He walked with ordinary people, in ordinary clothes, with dust on his feet—showing that "the power of the gospel doesn't dress up, it is enfleshed, it wrinkles, it tires." During this sacred in-between of Holy Week, may we find courage to follow his counter-cultural example of washing feet rather than demanding that others wash ours. What would change if we truly embraced service over status in our families, workplaces, and communities?

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