Gospel in Art: The greatest among you must be your servant

Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, by Benvenuto Tisi, called 'Il Garofalo', 1520/1525 © National Gallery Washington

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 27 February 2024
Matthew 23:1-12

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.'

Reflection on the painting

In this gospel reading Jesus is very critical of those religious leaders who impose unnecessary burdens on an already burdened people through their strict interpretation of the Jewish Law. Jesus also warns against giving more honours to religious leaders than is appropriate. He was not opposed to some form of leadership among his own followers. After all Jesus appointed Peter as the rock on which he would build his church and entrusted to him and the other disciples a share in his own teaching authority. However, elsewhere in the gospels Jesus makes clear that he understands leadership in terms of service.

Christian leadership is all about service. The washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus is probably the most telling example of what Jesus means by serving. By performing a task reserved for servants, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership involves humility and the willingness to undertake even the lowest tasks for the benefit of others. Christian leaders are, therefore, servants first.

In our painting by Garofaly from circa 1520, we see Jesus and his twelve apostles. A faint gold halo encircles each head except for one person, near the lower right, Judas. Jesus is portrayed with blond, shoulder-length ringlet hair and a pointed beard. He wears a red (his martyrdom is imminent), gold-trimmed robe over a pure white garment. He holds the lower leg of Peter and washes the foot in a gold-coloured basin. Peter looks down at Jesus, one hand flat against his own chest, being taken aback that Jesus is performing such an act of service and humility. Peter embodies the initial resistance and confusion experienced by the disciples in the face of their master's humility. The expressions and postures of the figures surrounding Jesus and Peter reflect a range of emotions, from awe to introspection, highlighting the impact of Jesus's actions on those present.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-1-12-2024/