Cross-Cultural Servanthood - Chapter 2

For back-posts on this topic see the Label Cross-Cultural Servanthood on the left.

Servanthood - Choosing the Towel or the Robe

This brief chapter, barely six pages, is summarized in the two images Elmer gives us in its title. Towel and Robe. These two images refer to two roles Jesus demonstrates for us. The first is our example to follow Jesus' during his earthly life, the second is Jesus' unique position as King.

Despite its brevity the chapter offers us the only foundation for our lives, the life of Jesus. His life was characterized by servanthood. Elmer writes, "While it runs counter to our natural desire, we have no choice. We are never more like Jesus than when we serve others."

We have a choice every single day of our lives to wear the towel or the robe. We are taught throughout our lives that we should pursue the robe. Jesus calls us to follow him in wearing the towel.

Matthew 20 and Luke 22 presents us with two challenging stories, chronologically very close together, of the Disciples seeking to wear the robe. Just before the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem James and John, together with their mother, request that Jesus would give them the highest seats in his kingdom. Their request is denied. And if that wasn't enough, the other disciples are indignant that James and John would ask such a thing. They were mostly likely mad that James and John had beat them to the punch. Jesus then lectures all twelve, instructing them not to walk in the way of the Gentiles, seeking power and authority in order to rule over others. Instead, he says, follow me. Walk in my ways. I came to serve.

The second story is just days later, and at the Passover meal of all places! Jesus has already washed their feet, wearing the towel. They reach the point in the Passover meal where they drink the cup and eat the bread, and Jesus infuses this ancient Hebrew tradition with new symbolism and new meaning. No longer is it just the sacrificial lamb, but Jesus, the Lamb of God, who will be sacrificed. The ultimate service. As soon as this ceremony is completed they begin to argue about who is the one to betray him, and who is the greatest. Jesus, with untiring love, repeats what he said earlier, and adds more. In this life, among people in the world, we must be as one who serves. But, Jesus adds a curious promise to the Disciples. They will be given robes one day. One day they will judge all of Israel.

At this point I disagree with Elmer. He seems to indicate that we will never have the role of wearing the robe, but several places, including Luke 22, seem to indicate a role of authority. We are given crowns in heaven. I haven't yet heard of a culture where a crown meant anything but authority and honor. Certainly, we do humbly cast them before God's feet, because only He is truly worthy. But we are still given crowns. And Jesus does say that we will reign with him. It seems difficult to divorce that from authority and rule.

But Elmer's point still stands. In this life we are to follow Jesus in wearing the towel. All our service will not truly be service if we don't not wear the towel. Later in the book Elmer says, at best we will be benevolent oppressors. We may mean well, but we do not do well.