This is a busy week for me. We have Love Feast this coming Saturday, and as deacon chair, there is a lot to get ready. Love Feast is a brethren practice that we still encourage and is one of the most meaningful services we have.
After the initial welcome and opening, our Love Feast starts with feet washing. Why do we wash feet?
In the Gospel of John, we read….” so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water in a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4-5 (NKJV).
Why do we wash feet? Because Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. The real question is, why would Jesus, Son of God, wash his disciples’ feet? Even if Jesus were just a teacher, it would make no sense for Jesus to do the job of the lowest servant. But Jesus was not just a teacher; he was God’s own son, creator of the world. There is something special here, a rare, valuable jewel of the faith. I believe our answer lies in Philippians.
We read in Philippians:” rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:7-8 (NIV).
Jesus humbled himself. He came to serve us. He came to die for us. This is love beyond comprehension. If Jesus could be so humble to serve and love us, we are to show the same humility and love to each other. While at the same time remembering what Jesus has done for us.
But when Jesus got to Peter, we added another dimension to foot washing. Peter protested that he is not worthy to have Jesus wash his feet. I agree with Peter. But Jesus responded, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” So Peter says, then wash all of me, wanting to be a part of Jesus’ mission. Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.”
I don’t know of a better description of what life is like for a believer living in this sinful world. We have been washed in the blood. Jesus took our sins away, but we walk in a dirty, sin-filled world. Washing feet acknowledges our current state of existence. It provides an opportunity to pause and be thankful that Jesus’ blood covers all the sins we still accumulate by walking in this broken world. I feel cleansed, a fresh start after feet washing. Not from the water, but from the holy blood of Christ.
Feet washing is a gift from Jesus himself. May we never stop practicing it because foot washing holds a special blessing for us.
Jim Nolt – CBC Executive Board
