OK, this one is gonna get interesting. I have a brother that will be helping us out with this "one another" from his experiences, but also wanted to relay my own personal story about this. My story is below, and as I edit this, it is with tears of joy and love, remembering the example that was given to me.
This instance of foot washing was most memorable. We had gone to visit some friends that lived far away in the winter here in Maine. On the way to visit, we had gotten lost and slid off the road into a snowbank. After calling to let them know we would be late, they offered to get shovels and come find us, which they did. A good Samaritan pulled us out of the ditch with his truck saving the day, but I will not forget our brothers that drove across town in the terrible weather to help us out. The day did get better from there, as we got unstuck from the snow bank and made it to their home.
This is one of those families that just loves to serve, to take care of you, and truly shows the love of Christ in their lives in so many ways. After dinner, we were reading the Bible together and talked about the verses in 1 Corinthians 7. My wife was sitting next to me and the mother of the family began to take out some warm water, a towel, some fragrant oils, and a basin. She and her adult daughter took off my wife's shoes and began to wash her feet. Sara didn't really know what to think, but definitely felt honored and loved, seeing someone do this most humble and servant-like act for her. I was OK with this whole thing, but still had not processed the full scope of this foot washing.
A few minutes into my wife's foot washing, they asked if they could also wash my feet. Now this is where I got a little more skeptical. Sure, a couple of ladies washing another ladies' feet is fine, but I don't know if I like this. I briefly caught a glimpse of the father's eyes, realizing that not only was this something they would like to do for me, but also quickly remembering when Jesus offered to wash Peter's feet and the fiasco that followed, "no, don't wash me" and "wash me all over" Peter didn't get it, and only now that I am putting this down do I begin to realize the significance in some of this.
So, they washed and scrubbed my feet, gently kneeling before me in the perfect picture of servanthood and love. What blessed fellowship, what pure and undefiled love that strips itself of all that would hinder me from seeing the love of Christ at work. The hardest part for me to grasp as I think of that night is that this was not a new experience for them. They have done it often, modeling a number of those "one another" principles that I have been writing about.
So, then I begin to think of Jesus. I see Him bow before His disciples, stripping Himself of His outer garment and giving this wonderful example of how " he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.. " I see the love and sacrifice, the humility, the complete package of perfection in this act of submission and grace. How can you not love someone who will humble themselves for the simple pleasure of serving another brother or sister in Christ?
I pray that this story has helped some understand that this is not about hygiene, nor is it about slavery or prominence, but rather humble submission before the Lord, serving however the Lord prescribes, we will have joy unspeakable and we will be full of glory. My eyes were seeing this young lady, but I saw Jesus that night! I pray that she and her mother, and their family that has served as examples in so many ways, know how much they mean to me. I can't think of that day without seeing that I often fail to serve in this way. I know it isn't the culturally popular thing to do, but I would encourage you to wash someone's feet, and yes I mean literally. Why not? Is pride in the way, do you fear rejection? Jesus set the example and gave us the great role model. Serve Him in all things today.
Read John 13 and see how Jesus set the stage, even though He knew Judas would betray Him, that Peter would deny Him, yet the love Jesus shows is not the kind that is just fulfilling a necessary job(dirty feet do need to be washed). Jesus knew that this night would become the defining moment in history. Jesus came to die, and here was the night He was to be arrested and shortly after crucified.
I want to note due to personal conviction on my part that Jesus did not take this time to get in a few jabs, kick them around and get them ready for the persecution to come. He washed their feet. Think of how Judas felt after Jesus was taken to the cross. I bet Judas remembered the foot washing more vividly even than I do that night when my feet were washed.
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