Washing Feet

John 13:5 Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

I once had the opportunity to both witness and also participate in this amazing, intimate act of love. On a Mission trip, our leader asked and was granted her humble request to wash the feet of the women who called for our help to “throw” a Vacation Bible School and do some major/minor chores in and around their little church. Our leader knew, without these ladies doing the dailies, we would have no ministry to perform. Not only did she want to honor these ladies but she also wanted to refresh them and mostly love on them in public! These ladies were the servants so used to “washing the feet” of the sheep in their pasture. I wept with them as I watched encouragement wash away the pains and frustrations of standing in the gap for hours on end!

Later that same day, Robyn, our ministry leader, took the opportunity at our evening worship to have each of us partner (NOT with buddies) and wash each other’s feet. WOW… I was a guest of a member of this church group so I did not intimately know anyone but the friend I came with. May I just say, I went as a welcomed stranger but with this one event, I became a member-in-love with these people. I may not be able to join their church for reasons which will remain unnamed, but I participated in love and will forever be changed and encouraged when I remember this amazing time.

What a powerful tool for our ministry of encouragement! It can be used for… welcoming a weary traveler with the good news of the gospel… refreshing a soul who has had many days on the sometimes hard road of life… honoring those who keep on keeping on… pouring love over those feet which are bruised and bleeding and broken from climbing insurmountable mountains. And… washing away with forgiveness any areas that have become a stumbling block to walking in love with each other.

Luke 7:44-47 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Priceless!!

Washing feet is definitely a job for an encourager

Not many people would allow such an intimate service… Most of us do not need to be reminded that we are a mess. And… we definitely do not need a public reading of our various “dirty deeds” which we fearfully believe is required as our feet are washed.

Soooo… my workaround for the encourager is to IMAGINE performing what we have watched Jesus do for His people. John 13:12-15 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. IMAGINE taking your basin which has been crafted by Jesus in your quiet time with Him. IMAGINE pouring the water of encouragement which you have gleaned from the Word of God. IMAGINE touching another, skin to skin. IMAGINE wiping the tears (of both of you) with the towel of servant hood.

In “The Jewish New Testament Commentary” it says… “Foot Washing was a courtesy shown to guests in a home, usually performed by a servant or the host’s wife when the guest entered the house or while they were reclining at the table.”

Let’s do what Jesus does when He brings someone to our table! 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Let’s wash the feet of one another.

**All Scripture quoted comes from the “Bible Gateway” app and is the NASB  version of the Bible