The Towel and the Cross
- Tony Simpkins
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
What Jesus Taught Us About Love on His Final Night
— Good Friday Reflection
On Good Friday, we remember the cross—the moment Jesus gave His life to save ours. But long before the nails and the crown of thorns, Jesus picked up something else:
A towel.
In the hours before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus did something shocking. He took off His outer robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash His disciples' feet—even the feet of Judas, the one who would betray Him.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” — John 13:14 (NIV)
This wasn’t a polite gesture. In Jesus’ time, foot washing was the job of the lowest servant. It was messy, humble, and unseen. Yet Jesus, the Son of God, chose to serve.
And then He gave His disciples—and us—a new command:
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35
🧼 The Towel Was Just the Beginning
The towel was the first act in a night of complete surrender.
Later that evening, Jesus would walk into the Garden of Gethsemane, be arrested by armed guards, tried unfairly, beaten, and eventually nailed to a cross. On the same night He demonstrated servant love, He became the sacrifice—our Passover Lamb.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Jesus didn’t just say “I love you.”
He served.
He suffered.
He gave everything.
💡 What Does This Mean for Us?
Good Friday is a day to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love. But it’s also a day to respond to it.
If we’re followers of Jesus, we’re called to love like Him. And Jesus made it clear: To love like Him is to serve like Him.
That means:
Loving people even when they don’t deserve it.
Serving even when it costs us time, pride, or convenience.
Forgiving even when it’s hard.
Taking the first step—just like He did.
🙏 A Challenge for Good Friday
As you reflect on the cross today, also reflect on the towel.
Ask yourself:
Who is God asking me to love this week?
Where can I pick up a towel in my home, my work, or my church?
How can I serve someone—even if no one sees it but Jesus?
Because the towel and the cross aren’t two separate stories. They’re one message:
This is what love looks like.
Join us for Good Friday or Sunday as we celebrate the victory of the cross and the empty tomb. And between now and then… let’s love like Jesus.
About Tony: My name is Tony Simpkins, and I’m the Strategic Operations & Growth Leader at New Faith Church. I’ve been walking with Jesus for over three decades, but my journey started with struggles, questions, and legalism that left me feeling unworthy. Through God’s grace, I’ve come to understand that salvation isn’t about what we do—it’s about trusting in what Jesus has already done. If you’d like to talk more about faith or share your own story, feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect!
About New Faith Church: At New Faith Church, we are committed to connect with people, helping them grow in grace, while they discover their purpose and a place to serve Him and Others. We believe in the power of God's Word to transform lives and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us for our next service. For more information, visit our website, www.NewFaithCW.org.
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