He Washed Feet

Something I’ve been thinking a lot about recently is Jesus’ response to death.

Jesus knew He was going to die. And what did He do on His last day? He washed feet (John 13:1-17).

Wow. That’s an incredibly selfless gesture. I feel like many of us have pondered this question: what would you do if you had one more day to live? Some of us would spend time with family, make amends with people, give away all of our belongings, spend all of our money, travel, splurge, do something we’re afraid of, etc. But have you ever answered this question saying you would wash feet? I highly doubt it. Because it’s our last day to live, right? Not for the person we would be serving. Jesus’ disciples weren’t going to die the next day, but that didn’t matter. Jesus stooped into the most loving and humble position; a task servants would do. Because He recognized the need.

What I find particularly interesting is the fact that the disciples never attended to one another in washing feet. I believe that is why they were so stunned when Jesus began to do it. Sometimes we feel like only certain people can serve in various ways, but that’s simply not true. You can step in and serve people as Jesus would have done. You can show love and kindness to the people around you and you can choose to love your neighbor as yourself. Because Jesus certainly did! I’m sure Jesus would have wanted His feet to be washed on His last day, but rather than demanding one of his disciples to wash His feet, He washed theirs.

I just feel completely humbled when I read this chapter in John. I want to live as selflessly as Jesus. And I’m sure you do, too.

Reflect:

How can you “wash feet” daily? Or how can you wash someone’s feet today?