The Towel

The Towel

By W. Wayne VanHorn

 

A Poem Based on John 13:1-17

Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist that night,
And then gave His disciples an unforgettable sight.
The King of Glory knelt and washed their feet til clean,
He loved these men dearly and wanted His love seen.
He washed the feet of Peter, who protested all the while,
But Jesus did it anyway, wiping and drying with a smile.
“Unless I wash you, you have no part with me!”
“Wash my whole body, Lord, for I must be with Thee.”
He washed the feet of John, the disciple whom He loved,
Knowing this one would some day write about His saving love.
For John one day, for Jesus? cause, would live in long exile,
And write the Revelation there on Patmos? Isle.
He washed the feet of Thomas, the one noted most for doubt,
Who yet had come to know that Jesus with God had clout.
For Jesus had told him, “Thomas you must believe,”
So Thomas turned to Jesus, his soul from sin relieved.
He washed the feet of James, the brother of dear John,
And knew that he would serve well but not live too long.
Just fourteen years past Calvary, for faithfulness to God’s Word,
King Herod had James killed, putting him to the sword.
He washed the feet of Andrew, who brought his brother Peter to the Lord,
And knew that this disciple would be a man of His Word.
And so it was, Jesus made His way, washing the feet of all these men,
The cross of Calvary growing near, where He would die for sin.
And then one last disciple, thirty pieces of silver was his pay,
This devil of disciples, whom His own Lord, would now betray.
What were His thoughts when Jesus knelt to wash cruel Judas? feet?
He knelt and washed and dried with care and then He took His seat.
“Do you understand tonight what I have done for you?”
You must take a towel of your own, in order to be true.
And win this world one-by-one in humble service fair,
As you my saving love with poor, lost sinners share.
You must serve and share with everyone,
Not just the ones you like or love.
Share even with your enemies
And point them to Me above.
 

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.