Will You Wash My Feet?

It sounds like a strange request, yet that is what Jesus commanded his Apostles when they met in the upper room before they had the last supper.

We live in different times than that of Jesus.  Everyone wore sandals AND they lived in a desert, needless to say their feet got kinda dusty.

Jesus wanted to teach his Apostles a very important lesson, and nothing makes a person's eyes get big, than to say "take off your shoes and let me wash your feet."  I'm sure they were stunned at such a request.

I doubt that people of this generation has a basin of water for their guest.  Personally, it would be a welcome gesture especially if there was a foot massage added.

It seems that all the Apostles complied except for the Apostle Peter who wasn't so willing to shed his sandals, feeling that Jesus was too highly respected for him to wash his feet.  So, he declined vehemently against the invitation.

Jesus admonished Peter that if he didn't allow him to wash his feet, that Peter would not share with him in the Kingdom of God.  With that bit of information Peter quickly changed his mind and dunked his feet into the water to have them washed.

The lesson that Jesus was teaching was that of service.  To show kindness.

People of his time walked everywhere, they didn't jump on a camel to go to the market place.

With walking being their mode of transportation their feet got a work out.

So, even though we don't greet our guest with soap and water, there is still a lesson.  That lesson is one of SERVICE.  Doing what we can to make people feel loved and appreciated.

And before we can be of service to others, we have to have an attitude of humility.  To recognize that we are one in the spirit, one in our energy and what we do for another is adding to our Love nature.  

Jesus was their teacher, he was highly respected.  He could have told his Apostles to wash each others feet and they would have done so, he was in a position where he could have delegated what he wanted to have done but Jesus did not exclude himself, in fact this gesture was the last act of love that he gave to his Apostles before his death.  Showing acts of love was an important part of his ministry.

Do we sometimes feel that it is beneath us to do what needs to be done?  Or that we just don't have the time to take care of someone's needs, or to show a sense of caring for the other person's comfort?

On the other hand, are we more like Peter?  "Oh, please, don't bother, I can do this myself."  Having an attitude of being an "in charge" kind of person?  Not needing the help of a friend. 

In order to be a part of the Kingdom of God, we have to be willing to be both a giver AND a receiver.  If we are reluctant to take in the kindness of others we lose out on the joys that come from that kindness AND the person that wants to give is denied that honor.   It is an exchange that only two people can give to each other.

To share in an activity that up builds and encourages, an activity that makes the recipient feel good and in turn makes the giver feel good.  This is the lesson that Jesus was giving.  This simple act of kindness was remembered and recorded to teach us, even to our day. 

Why do we dismiss the kindnesses of others, not wanting them to put themselves out on our behalf?  Why do we have such a hard time in allowing ourselves to be loved?

If we put up barriers with our friends, how can we expect to feel God's loving kindness.

We all live on this tiny planet together, and instead of waring with one another we need to change our thoughts from war to peace, from killing one another to in a sense washing each others feet.

It isn't just a good idea, it is a commandment, it is the way for us to live within the Kingdom of God.

Let us play with our differences instead of fighting over our differences.

Not all flowers in a garden are roses, yet, all flowers are in need of water (love),  refresh on another with your smiles, with your caring and your sharing.  Be a light that shines in the darkness.

As always I encourage your comments at cindalmiller@gmail.com

Thank you for your kindness in reading this material.

Cinda