Prairie Soil or post oak as it is called is undoubtedly the stickiest mess when wet. My grandchildren have bogged down in it and even lost shoes in the muck. Their bare feet have received many foot washings before they would be welcome inside.
John 13:4-5, NKJV, “(Jesus) rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”
John 13 tells of a special foot washing. Jesus and His disciples were gathered for the Passover. Jesus knew He would be the Passover Lamb. After their meal, He prepared a basin with water, got a towel and began washing the disciples’ feet.
Foot washing is a picture of what Jesus did on the cross. Through His death we are made clean when we put our faith in Him.
John 13:10a, NKJV, “Jesus said to him (Peter), ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet.”
When we are saved our bodies are cleaned. Done. Each day afterwards our relationship with Jesus is disrupted by our dirty feet. We don’t need another bath, but we daily should wash our feet, that is, seek forgiveness and cleansing each day.
Things Learned from Jesus Foot Washing:
John 13:14, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
- LOVE. In following Jesus, we made the decision to treat others the way Jesus would treat them. Show love for others. Everyone we encounter through our day should be shown love. It is a command to love one another. The love you show to someone may be the seed needed for them to seek Jesus. It may also be the encouragement someone needs to make it through the trial in their life of which you may not be aware.
John 13:15, “For I have given you an example , that you should do as I have done to you.”
2. SERVICE. Jesus is treating people with respect and serving them. During Jesus day, servants were the foot washers. Jesus is taking the place of a servant. Jesus calls us to serve others.
John 13:16, “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.”
3. HUMILITY. Jesus got on His knees to wash the disciples’ feet. Scripture reminds us that we are not greater than anyone. Those who exalt themselves seeking their own glory are reduced to nothing. When we humble ourselves, God will one day exalt us.
Have a Heart Like Jesus
Some people have a disgust for feet. They don’t want anyone to touch their feet or to touch anyone else’s feet. Feet are often thought of as gross and smelly. It takes a heart like Jesus to get on the knees, humble oneself and wash another’s feet. I’m not encouraging anyone to walk around with a basin and towel washing feet. We do; however, need to show love, service and humility towards others.
After all, Jesus did!
Washed Away by Michael W. Smith
Paula Wallace
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