April 1 Arrows of the Almighty
Foot Washing
"So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13:14)
"What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. ... Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Truly O LORD, I am your servant, I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifices of thanksgiving." (Ps. 116:12-17)
One evening at Grace not too long ago we held a foot washing. It's not something we do often but when we do it seems to really bind us together. It gives us one of those opportunities to experience being the recipient of another's act of loving service. Many practice this act during their Thursday evening Holy Week observances. Whenever I am privileged to be a part of this small but meaningful service I am always moved by the feeling of being a servant as I wash those smelly well used feet of my fellow believer but like Peter it is really much more humbling to have my own feet washed.
In Israel during Bible times having your feet washed by a servant was expected and routine when coming in from the dusty and animal trodden roads. But this particular foot washing was not routine. The disciples had been fussing about their own self-importance, so when Jesus stooped and washed their feet. They were humbled to the core. Washing your own feet in private can be a pleasure but this?! This was a dramatic demonstration that as Jesus, their Lord and Master, came to serve so must they! As he enjoyed his last supper with his disciples, his impending trial, suffering and death on the cross was paramount in his thought. He knew what was coming for these disciples. They, too, would be paying huge personal sacrifices to follow him. So between the ritual Seder meal of Passover and his preparation for the cross he teaches his disciples still another lesson about the Kingdom of God. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt. 20:28)
"Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen."
