Dirty Feet

The scene is the last supper Jesus eats with his disciples. Jesus got up from the meal, removed his outer garment and wrapped a towel around his waist. He poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples feet.

In Bible times the average person wore sandals or went barefoot. The roads were dusty and feet were generally pretty dirty. Often a servant would be assigned footwashing duty if a man were to invite guests over for a meal.

Prior to eating the meal, the disciples had been debating among themselves over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet Jesus, their leader, their master, washed their feet. When Peter resisted, Jesus told him that unless he allow Jesus to wash his feet he could have no part with him. Jesus was demonstrating in a very personal way that the role of a follower of Christ is to serve others, not to seek to be served.

Let’s fast-forward into the present day. We generally wear shoes and socks. Even in the summertime when we may wear sandals, our feet aren’t likely to be as dirty as the feet of the disciples. Their roads were dusty. We ride in cars and walk on sidewalks or grass if we go outside. Our neatly manicured toenails are a far cry from the dirty grimy feet of men who have walked from one city to another to arrive in Jerusalem for the Passover meal.

So how do we imitate Jesus as servant in our present day situations. Jesus lovingly cleaned up the dirtiest part of those he was with. He made them more presentable. There is no indication that he scolded anyone for having dirty feet. How can we lovingly serve one another to help them be more presentable to the world?

Do “dirty” people come into our fellowship from time to time? Do we find loving ways to help them become more presentable, or do we shun them and hope they don’t come back? Life causes dirt to happen. Our youth face so many temptations in school. They may often need a lift by a caring and understanding friend when they have stepped over the line. Let us keep Jesus’ example of washing dirty feet before us that we may better understand the role of a servant – the role we claim to follow.

Love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Here is a link to an excellent family activity on foot-washing.

The Creation by Janice D. Green