He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." (John 13:6-8 NIV)
Today is Maundy Thursday. "Maundy" is from the Greek word, "mandatum," meaning "commandment." Jesus' commandment to his disciples on this day was to "love one another as I have loved you." As an example of how we are to love one another, Jesus washed his disciples feet.
We usually focus on this example. And that is good. We need to learn how to humble ourselves and wash one anothers' feet. But there is something else going on here too. Peter says, "No, Lord! You shall not wash my feet." Don't you know Peter would much rather have washed Jesus' feet? And most of us are the same.
They say it is more blessed to give than to receive. We know that all too well and most of us are way better at giving. Giving is often the position of power, isn't it? If we are receiving, doesn't that also put us in a position to be humble?
How well do you receive a compliment? Do you just say "thank you" or do you try to minimize the compliment? Have you ever run short of cash at the cash register and someone offered to help you? How did it make you feel?
If we are ALL to be foot-washers, whose feet are we to wash? If we are to wash one anothers' feet, then we also have to accept our feet being washed. We have to be willing to share our needs as well as our gifts. How can we have our feet washed unless we are willing to let others know they are dirty?
Someone is looking for the opportunity to give and we may have a need that they can meet. We have to let down our walls and let our brothers and sisters know that our lives are NOT perfect and that we DO need help. And we can look into the lives of our brothers and sisters and find the areas where their feet could use a little washing too.
Yes... let us be like Jesus and wash one anothers' feet. But let us also be like the disciples on this holy night and allow Jesus with skin on to wash our own feet.
Lord Jesus,
Humble us to be givers, but humble us even more to be receivers. Help us to know we don't always have to look like we are in control... because the truth is, none of us really are. Amen.
Joys: Time with Kevin, Chelsea and Emma yesterday; Emma's beautiful and ever-present smiles; Holy Week
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