The Problem With Feet Washing!

I love the Gospel of John. It is a joy to teach it every Tuesday in ladies class. This past week we looked at chapter thirteen when Jesus wrapped the towel around his waist and washed the dirty feet of his disciples including Judas. It was not premeditated - it was just an act of love and service. Matthew, Mark and Luke record the Lord's Supper, but John looks back to the same evening and remembers the time when the Son of God humbly washed his feet.

A Bible student realizes the disciples had been in an argument over - who was the greatest. This is actually an easy decision if Jesus is in the room. Jesus is! There must have been an uneasy awkwardness when they entered the upper room and there wasn't a servant available. When they reclined to eat someone must have thought someone really needs to do this menial job. (Someone else). I am sure most of them did not consider themselves as the greatest. They just thought they were not the least. When Jesus stood up the silence was deafening. Servant leadership! What a concept. And what was more embarrassing was that Jesus saw their dirty feet.

I have never been part of a foot washing service. For the most part I am glad. There is probably not a better way to mess up this story than to try to advertise one. First, everyone who shows up will carefully wash their own feet before the service. Does Peter come to mind? He could take care of his own feet thank you very much! Second, we would do it on the stage for a great photo opportunity. Maybe put our leader's picture in the paper. We could sell towels with our name and web address neatly stitched in.

No! Foot washing is better done behind closed doors. It works better when our feet are dirty. It is best done in secret motivated by love. I wonder, "Did anyone wash the feet of Jesus?" Now I would be proud to do that! ------ Whoops.

October 7, 2009