Why Washing Feet?

Why a blog about washing feet? What’s there to write about? Grab a bar of soap, a little water and scrub. Pretty self-explanatory? Well, not exactly. Washing feet is about service, the perfect example, set by Jesus Christ, lived out in the lives of those who choose to know Him better. Check out the book of John, chapter 13 in the Bible. 

  

In ancient days, when you entered a house, a servant met you to wash off the dust and dirt from your feet. It was a menial task for a servant. That is why when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, it was so significant. Jesus chose the most menial of jobs to demonstrate our place in the world. He said I set the example, now you follow my example.

He turned the world upside down. He said when someone smacks you, turn the other cheek, someone takes your coat, give them your shirt too. He instructed us to take care of the widow and orphan, the sick, destitute and poor. He said love your enemies. Is there anything remotely reasonable about loving your enemies? Still it’s in there. Can loving others the way Jesus loved us even be possible? I believe so. Why else would he teach us to pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It is possible folks!

So how can we wash the feet of those in our families, our neighborhoods, and our world? Who can we look to? Who is choosing to live out Christ’s words? When? How?

That’s what I want to explore here.  Washing Feet is as much about wiping our kiddos runny noses, sticky fingers and yes, stinky bottoms as it is about taking care of the poor and sick in the slums of Calcutta. How can we serve those around us? What can we do for our family, our neighborhoods, our world? It has been suggested to start with the person nearest you. Start with the small things but do them with great love. We can help. We can make a difference but as Mother Teresa said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” So let’s get our water basins and towels and wash some feet.