In the fourth episode of our Lent podcast series, ecological ethicist Byron Smith is joined by Common Grace’s Justice for People Seeking Asylum Coordinator James Harris and National Director Gershon Nimbalker to discuss John 13:1-17.
You can also download the episode via this Google Drive link.
A transcript of this conversation can be downloaded here.
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:1-17
How do you feel that the passage fits into the overall picture of Jesus' mission and ministry?
Which of James' stories about his work with displaced people most struck you and why?
What are some simple next steps that you can take in loving your refugee neighbour?
Good God,
Help us to take your command to love our neighbour seriously. As Jesus modelled, grow in us a servant-hearted love for others. Instead of dwelling on what is comfortable or convenient for us, put us in places where we can use our power to serve humbly. And as we head towards the election, we ask for opportunities to uplift the cause of justice for those seeking asylum.
Amen.
Common Grace has created a four-part Bible study series designed for individuals and churches to deepen their understanding of justice for people seeking asylum. Each study features a personal story from someone with lived experience of seeking asylum, a Bible passage, and discussion questions. Together, these elements invite reflection on how we can actively build communities that embody love and justice for our refugee neighbours. Sign up for access to the Bible study series here.
Australia’s new community refugee sponsorship programme is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tangible love of Jesus by helping refugees find a home in local communities across Australia. The Welcome Home Project provides a pathway for you and your church to get involved.
This podcast series is made possible by the love and generosity of people who support Common Grace on a regular basis - thank you! At the end of last year James Harris joined the Common Grace team to lead our Justice for People Seeking Asylum work. If you would like to support his role in the future to lead our movement in calling for peace, increased humanitarian assistance, and protection for people seeking asylum please give here, or join as a Regular Donor today.
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James Harris is Common Grace’s Justice for People Seeking Asylum Coordinator and Director of Strategic Projects with NAYBA, where he leads The Welcome Home Project, helping churches engage in community refugee sponsorship. He has worked globally, including in Jordan with World Vision and on Nauru with Save the Children. James is also a co-founder of the global Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage movement. |
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Gershon Nimbalker is the National Director of Common Grace and founder of Sojourners Social Change Consultants. With over 15 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and research, he has led grassroots movements on social justice issues. Gershon lives on Awabakal Country in Newcastle, NSW, with his young family. |
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Byron Smith is an ecological ethicist helping churches connect the care of creation with Christian discipleship. He holds a PhD in theological ethics, exploring emotional responses to climate disruption and their relationship to faith and identity. |
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In the fourth episode of our Lent podcast series, ecological ethicist Byron Smith is joined by Common Grace’s Justice for People Seeking Asylum Coordinator James Harris and National Director Gershon Nimbalker to discuss John 13:1-17.