FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE Foot washing was an ordinary event in the lives of Jews, Greeks and Romans. It fulfilled three functions: cleanliness, by removing the dirt and dust of the desert, hospitality, by welcoming guests in their midst, and cultural acceptance, showing that you uphold the traditions and customs of society. Slaves and servants of the lowest stature would remove the sandals of guests to wash and dry their feet. Jesus took the common practice of foot washing and turned it upside down. Instead of the lowest class washing feet, Jesus, Lord and Teacher, bowed before his followers and performed the dirty work. Can you imagine Peter’s frustration? “Lord, what you’re doing is wrong. You’re better than this! I can’t let you wash my feet, you are my Lord, Savior and Master. Jesus told Peter that he had to wash their feet in order for them to be a part of his ministry. The love of Jesus was so profound, he even washed Judas the betrayer’s, feet. What’s the point? Humbleness, meekness, characteristics just the opposite of what you are use to are what God requires to be a part of his kingdom. I’m washing your feet so that you’ll have a riveting reminder of what you’re supposed to do after I’m executed. You, the ones I’m leaving in charge to grow the kingdom, you are not to be waited on, you are to serve my people. All of the actions Jesus did before the crucifixion were done to teach the disciples the work they would continue until his second coming. All of their ministries – healing, feeding, teaching, visiting, counseling, praying, fasting, preaching, sacrificing It’s difficult to be self-righteous, arrogant and prideful when you’re on your knees removing soil and scent from someone else’s body. Jesus practiced what he preached. He walked his talk. He was the ultimate role model—teaching by example. This can be the most powerful teaching method, especially for students who have trouble learning their lessons. Sometimes if they can just watch someone do something, it can sink in. They can not only get the lesson but perform the same task, forever. I don’t think the disciples were ever able to experience going into someone’s house or welcoming guests into their own homes without seeing Jesus’ bowed head before them and feeling the water and towels and remembering Jesus loving them that much, do you? (Upper Room p45). Tonight, this sacred ritual is not about feet or water or basins or towels. It’s about living the example Jesus set for us. Accept the nature of God as a welcoming host. Enter into an intimate friendship with God through Jesus. Allow your relationship with Jesus to be defined by him, not you. It is not possible to wash someone’s feet without getting close to them, without them allowing you to touch them. We, like Peter may be uncomfortable with it. After all we have our space. The only people who touch our feet are our selves, a loved one or two, and maybe an occasional podiatrist. So respond to his example of humility by loving as he loves, giving as he gives: Feed the hungry. Care for the sick and homebound. Welcome the stranger. Love the sinner. Visit prisoners. Attend to the orphans and widows. Be an advocate for the homeless. Help to build the new domestic violence center. Be good stewards by giving generously. |