Dirty Feet

S - "You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other as I have done for you. I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." John 13 TS

O - Of all the actions of Jesus on earth, why would he choose washing feet to be his prime example of how to treat each other? Why not chasing the money changers and sellers out of the temple? Or how about praying all night or speaking truth to the crowds as the prime example of how we are to be toward each other and all others? To make matters worse, not only will he choose the example of washing feet, he will not wait for the traitor Judas to leave before he engages it. He will wash the feet of all twelve knowing that one will betray, one will deny and all of them will desert him.

A - In this example Jesus makes a clear explanation of how he expects all who follow him to act toward all others.  It is in actually knowing him as Master, Teacher and Lord; and having experienced him treating us just like he treated the twelve on that night long ago which inspires and provokes this otherworld response to all others. The example and expectation are set. The decision to actually join him in this activity is up to each of us. The blessing is not in intellectual acknowledgment nor in announcing his activity and expectation.  It comes only in doing the very thing he asks us to do. To lovingly help each other with our dirty feet.   

P -  Lord who still washes dirty feet,

Thank you for the innumerable times you have loved me this way … washing feet made dirty by unavoidable circumstance and by avoidable choices.  I am so amazed that you act in this way and expect me to do the same.  I don't just want to receive the washing but to give as well.  I admit I'll need help to do it … and that you're more than willing to provide the help I need.  I choose and you empower.  Yes, to you, your example and your expectation.

Still amazed by you,

Steve