Remember the Word

Without saying a word, Jesus gave his disciples an object lesson for the ages. For three years, He taught this motley crew of disciples in boats, on roads, in crowds, and on a mountainside. Now, at their last meal, all His teaching and love culminated in washing their feet. All His love. All His passion. All His desire for them to continue following God – it all culminated in this one moment.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Who you are speaks so loud I cannot hear what you say.” Jesus washing feet fully reflected His character.

If you lived in Jesus’ day, you’d walk the dusty roads in sandals. Your feet would constantly be exposed to the elements. By the end of the day, your feet would be tired, dirty, and smelly. Not exactly a good situation.

Even worse, there was no indoor plumbing. People would often dump pots of excrement into the streets, so your feet would get covered with that too.

Get the picture?

I’m a clean freak. I don't like dirty feet. I don't like smelly feet. Feet are kinda weird. So, I don’t think I would have been a good fit for living in the first century.

In that day, the host of a dinner would have his servants wash the guests’ feet. It was a custom to help them clean up before supper.

What is it about serving others that changes our perspective?

My wife often says, “Ministry is messy.” It’s not easy to serve other people. Their feet may be cleaner than in Jesus’ day, but helping others with problems like poverty, addiction, mental illness, and broken homes leads to some pretty messy situations.

Nevertheless, Galatians 5:13 tells us to “serve one another in love.” That’s what Jesus did for us. And remembering Him in our service makes all the difference.