This week as we continue our observance of Lent, we find ourselves in John chapter 13. Ms. Jackie introduced this story to our children last week.
Did you catch the look on the children’s faces when Ms. Jackie asked who wanted to have their feet washed. I think most of the adults would have made the same face.
In Jesus’ day, long before shoes, nice socks, and paved streets, foot washing was a necessary chore. Feet would be dirty and gross and the process of washing them was typically left to a servant, as an act of the host’s hospitality.
When I talk with others about foot washing, generally speaking most folks fall into one of two categories…
1. Since Jesus modeled foot washing and instructed the disciples to wash each other’s feet, so as we follow Jesus’ teachings, we should wash each other’s feet.
OR
2. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he was modeling service, so as modern day Jesus followers, we should be modeling service, not specifically foot washing.
Foot washing has an interesting history in the church. Pope Francis broke foot washing tradition when he chose to wash the feet of twelve inmates as opposed to twelve deacons. Pope Francis continued to break traditions when he chose to wash the feet of women and the feet of Muslims.
There is a communal experience to foot washing. As Basil of Caesarea said in the fourth century, “if I live my faith alone, whose feet will I wash?”
I saw a shirt that said… I’m too busy washing feet to throw stones.
In the sixth century, a Syrian monk, Dortheos of Gaza, used the image of a wheel to teach his monks about being good neighbors. At the center of the wheel, the hub, is God. And each of move closer toward God, we are also moving closer to each other.
Is foot washing an act of service that can bring us closer to God and others?
Should we in the twenty first century continue the practice of foot washing?
On the other hand, Jesus didn’t wash clean, pedicured, recently cleaned feet that have been protected by socks and shoes. Maybe Jesus washing the disciples’ feet wasn’t to make a point but to set an example of service.
So, if washing others’ feet isn’t part of our daily routine in the same way as it was for these first-century disciples, what humble service may we be called to emulate Jesus’ example?
What activities are normally left to specific classes of society, and are considered “beneath” others, but yet might be something we’re called to do?
What are your thoughts on foot washing?
Outdated practice or still relevant?
Did I mention that our Lenton theme this year is Dwelling in Dissonance?
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.
~ Pastor Dustin
