April
02
Foot Washing
[Note: If you’re new to this blog, I don’t usually write about Christianity but have made a special exception for Holy Week. If that’s not of interest, feel free to come back next week when I’ll be writing about more secular topics. Not trying to convert or offend anyone, just sharing a few thoughts with those who are interested.]
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Today is Maundy Thursday. The day that Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper and when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. This was an act that would have been considered one fit for a slave. At our church, everyone who chooses to, from children to the elderly, has their feet washed by someone else in the congregation. It is an intimate thing to have someone, perhaps a stranger, pour warm water over your feet and then gently dry them with a towel. This service is powerful to me because Jesus could not have chosen a more humble gesture. Afterward, the lights are dimmed, the altar is stripped and a black cloth is draped over it. We leave in silence preparing ourselves for the solemnity of Good Friday.
yes. it's my real name. 
A pastor shared with me that in those days, servants, by law, could not be made to was the feet of guests. Feet were so nasty the servants were not required to touch them. Jesus washing his disciple’s feet was even more meaningful to me once I learned this.
We started a wonderful tradition at our church last year…our 2nd graders will be receiving their first communion tonight at worship which also includes dinner (mac & cheese bar). Each parent will wash their child’s feet and dry them with a towel that has the child’s name embroidered on it. The bread is baked by the 1st communion families and shared with the congregation during communion.
Thank you for sharing your faith with all of us!
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That’s beautiful. I didn’t know about that law either. I’m very happy that you’ve enjoyed these posts.
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