April 1, Maundy Thursday (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)
As he washes Peter’s feet, Jesus is thinking about Judas.
Lots of preachers will remember times when it felt like they were preaching to one person in the congregation, with others overhearing. Someone hurting, who you know needs a word even if they might have a hard time hearing it. The person who’s been through hell, for whom you have a word of comfort. A holdout on a decision that others see clearly. A fierce opponent who is against you for no reason, and for whom you dream of crafting a message that will change their mind. That one board member who needs it. The one whose emotional needs overwhelm reason, and so the one who twists truth for their own purpose.
They’re your imaginary audience. You know where they sit. You craft a message with them in mind, even if you don’t mean to. And sometimes, after all that effort, they don’t even show up. But sometimes they do, and occasionally they even hear. Often they don’t, but you speak to them anyway.
This all goes with having a story to tell and gospel to share. Others can overhear, and maybe a few of them think you’re speaking to them. It’s good if they do, but you know you were speaking to that other one.
