“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:8-15
This passage about foot washing came up in a devotion yesterday and since I wrote about this topic just a few days ago, a few more thoughts came to mind after reading this again. Does this ever happen to you? Jesus gave a strong rebuke to Peter when He spoke those words. Our Lord's rebuke introduces a convicting observation: being a servant is not a sign of inner weakness but of incredible strength. Don’t you agree?
I’ve been rebuked by a few sinful humans in my lifetime, but I just can’t begin to imagine what Peter must have felt like. There is no way to remove the gut punch from Christ's words to Peter. He said, in effect, "If you do not allow Me to do this, that is it. Get out!" Anybody who lives under the false opinion that Christ was weak and always kind to a fault has overlooked such statements as this one. Being a servant in no way implies there will never be a confrontation or strong words shared with others.
The Lord may choose to use the reproof of a servant who has earned the right to be heard even more often than that of an aggressive leader type. It certainly worked with Peter. We follow the story of Peter and know that he got the message when he blurted out, in so many words, "Give me a bath!" No Peter, that wasn't necessary, only your feet.
After Jesus brought back balance to Peter's overreaction, He sat down for a time of reflection and instruction among the disciples and asked; "Do you know what I have done to you?" These disciples? How often have we asked ourselves how ‘they’ didn’t realize what Jesus was telling them. Obviously, they knew or witnessed what He had done in their time spent with Him. He had washed their feet! But He had so much more in mind than the obvious; Jesus always does. He wanted them to think more deeply, to learn something very insightful and valuable as an obedient servant. A learning point for us as well.
He told you and I and these young missionaries in Haiti to wash one another's feet. Humble yourself. Just on Sundays. No. Every day. Dear followers living in this fallen world; Jesus said it plainly. "I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you." He was looking for action now.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay