Washing Feet

Weekly my husband and I attend Bible Study Fellowship on  Monday night.  It is a powerful way to study the Bible without the use of a commentary or other reference books.  For sermon preparations I like to read and use other written information to understand the text better or see it in a new light. This Bible Study method is just to intently read the scripture and then study it for meaning.  We find it refreshing even though it takes deep concentration, but that is good.  Then as we gather within our small groups we share what the scripture means to us and how we can apply it to our lives. 

Last week we studied  the 13th chapter of the book of John.  In the scripture the disciples of Jesus are  celebrating the Passover or as it in called in the other gospels, the last supper.  Everything has been prepared for the meal.  The disciples expected the same "script" as always but Jesus had a few new ideas He wanted to share with them.  I have often said that when you follow the Lord and are open to His calling that you must expect the unexpected.  That certainly was true for the disciples as He had already turned their whole world around  in profession and lifestyle.
Before the disciples began the meal Jesus got up, took a towel and wrapped it around himself, took a

basin of water and started washing the disciples feet.  Remember in that day the roads and sidewalks were not very clean or paved so feet got very dirty.  The lowest of lowly servants normally were tasked with washing the feet of people.  Jesus was their leader and their teacher (rabbi). He had too much of a standing to wash feet.  Nevertheless, Jesus humbled himself and took the form and demeanor of a servant.  All the disciples were amazed but Peter simply rebelled and said "not my feet Lord".  After Jesus' explanation Peter said "well then wash my hands and face also." While this conversation seems innocuous it portrayed a vital lesson for Peter and for each one of us. Jesus said if you have had a bath you are clean but you need to have your feet washed. Those two words are important for each of us.  Metaphorically it means that if we have taken a bath, we have been washed in the blood of Jesus and our sins were paid for when Jesus paid the price on the cross. But we still walk in this polluted and sinful world and are tainted with sin that needs to be confessed each day, thus the need to wash the feet. The disciples did not catch the meaning of this symbolic activity as Jesus had not yet given His life on the cross.  That was going to take place in a few days and they had not grasped  that concept either.  Jesus goes on to tell them the spiritual significance of his actions which were mostly lost on them too - until later.  Another aspect of this story is that Judas, one of the disciples, had not been washed in the blood and he betrayed Jesus by selling Him out for 30 pieces of silver. Yet, even tho Jesus knew Judas would betray Him he still washed his feet.
That is an interesting story but what do we learn from it?  The example Jesus gave us in  the story is really a lesson in humility. No matter our status, position, rank or unique talent we are to humble ourselves and serve others even as Jesus did.  We are to lay ourselves down for the sake of others, love them, and wash their feet, so to speak.  Jesus had a unique relationship with His Father, God, but he did not count that something He wanted to  use to His own advantage.  He had the very nature of God but still humbled himself for others.  He took on a servant role.
Besides humility we are also admonished by his act to forgive one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and show genuine concern for their well-being and walk humbly with the Lord.  The bar looks very high, right?  It looks impossible, right?  I can't attain that level of love for one person let alone all people!  We think we can't do it so we don't even try.  And you are right.  You and I can't do it.  It is an impossible way to live.  However, we don't have to do it on our own strength.  We need the help of God each and every day.  An  old hymn is entitled, "I Need You Every Hour".  What about changing that to every minute.  When we have accepted the Lord and have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) he gives us the help we need to live a victorious life, a life that will help us do the things listed above.  In my book, I've Always Been Rich, I relate how I was called to various duties in ministry throughout my life.  I was an extremely shy person growing up, not much better as a young adult and  did not have the skills needed to follow God's calls.  I also relate that I did not do an exemplary job.  I know He gave me a desire and passion to follow Him and do the task which was before me to the best of my ability.  I found that what I thought was impossible was doable.  My greatest hesitation was thinking that I would not do a good job and would make myself look foolish.  Pride. When I looked to Him and forgot about how I looked it was a totally  different experience.   I have a new speaking challenge coming up.  He will be with me.  
Find my book at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookstore.  Marilyn Rensink   email  mjrevmom6@aol.com 
Appreciate comments and questions.