Lent: The Final Week

This devotional is written by Matt. EKM- Everybody knows Matt. 

John 13:1-17

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet











"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." (8)

Peter's world is structured by domination, power, and hierarchy. Foot washing revealed the societal pecking order. It was usually done by slaves, children, and women, those who had no standing in society.

Our world is not so different from Peter's.

But this night is different. Once again Jesus breaks the rules and realigns the social order. He pours water into a basin, and begins to wash the disciples' feet.

So why is Peter so distressed?

Perhaps because Peter knows that servants wash the feet of their master.

Masters do not wash the feet of their servants.

Teachers do not sit at the feet of their students.

The Messiah certainly does not touch the feet of disciples.

But also, perhaps, Peter is wondering, "If this is how the Messiah acts, what will be expected of me? Whose feet might I be asked to wash for the love of Christ?"

Jesus has an answer for this question: Everyone's!

"You also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (14-15).

Jesus has set before us an example of love. He has washed away the old ways of domination and hierarchy. He has replaced them with unity and love. No feet are excluded. No feet too unworthy of being washed. Even Judas's (11).

Young, old, tired, lost, angry, hurt feet. Feet that have walked through the muck of life. Feet that have trespassed into places they shouldn't have gone. Feet that have stood on holy ground. Feet that have carried the message of good news. Feet that dance to a different beat or walk a path different from ours.

Those are the very feet Jesus washed.

They are the ones he commands us to wash.

Feet a lot like ours.

Today, serve Christ by serving others. In these strange times, you can serve others by staying at home, or phoning someone you know is living alone or giving to a local Food Bank. You're not just a spectator but a participant of Jesus' subversive life of love, humility, and service.

How will you serve others today?

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