Will your agenda for today include washing feet? It’s Thursday. Jesus does no public teaching. It would seem to the discerning eye that Jesus’ thoughts are elsewhere. And they are. He’s thinking about all those lambs that will die tomorrow, but never be able to do what HE is about to do. In 24 hours He knows that He will die. It will be the most horrible way to die–on a Roman cross. And more than the horrendous pain He will face from the scourging, the nails, and hanging from that cross–He knows He will face the penalty for every sinner. So, yes, there’s a certain look on the face of Jesus they haven’t seen before.
Jesus tells Peter and John to go to Jerusalem and reserve an upper room. So, they do what Jesus tells them not knowing the implications. That evening the mood is festive. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good meal with good friends. They watch Jesus as He gets up from His reclining position, the position of a free person by the way. Sorry, Mr. Da Vinci, there were not sitting in chairs. He deliberately removes His outer garment, takes an empty basin, a pitcher of water, and a towel. They are wondering, “What’s He up to know?” And the mood changes from festive to somber as they watch Him kneel and begins to wash feet. Dirty feet. Feet, that in hours, will run and hide. The feet of The Betrayer. The feet of the denier.
Amidst objections, Jesus continues to wash those dirty (in more ways than one) feet. Do they realize they have been touched by the hand of God, Himself? When He is finished, the basin, pitcher, and towel are set aside. He puts His robe back on. Silence fills the room. Then His lips begin to move and He says, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (Gospel of John, Chapter 13, Verses 12-15 New Living Translation)
Now, back to the title of today’s thoughts: Will you wash someone’s feet today? Will you remember verse 15? “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” Never forget whose feet He washed. No one was excluded. Not Peter. And not even Judas! Can you do this? Are you willing to do this? Will you follow Jesus’ example? Or not? Think about it!
Kingdom Pastor 