“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet
you also should wash one another’s feet.”
John 13:14
First-century foot washing was anything but glamorous. Feet in Bible times became crusty, cracked, and calloused, both from wearing strapped-on footwear (or none at all) and from walking on dusty, dirty paths. No sidewalks, automated transportation, or closed-toed shoes? That equals filthy feet.
Foot washing in Bible times was a stinky, thankless job, often performed by a servant. It was intended to welcome, bless, and refresh a guest upon entering a home. In ancient cultures, this was a daily ritual, as well as an expression of hospitality, honor, and respect.
When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He was demonstrating genuine love—and leaving them with a high standard for loving one another.
I Peter 1:22 challenges us to “love one another deeply.” In washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus modeled a love so deep it required a posture of humility. Releasing this kind of love not only blesses the one whose feet are washed, but flushes away the pride of the one doing the washing.
Jesus was clear: “no servant is greater than his master.“
Is there a job that we might view as beneath us? Do we tell ourselves that we’ve “matured“ beyond helping with nursery duty, scrubbing the bathroom, or stacking chairs after Bible study?
In the body of Christ, we should never ask or expect someone else to perform a task we would never stoop (literally or figuratively) to do ourselves.
We think of foot washing as an act of blessing for the recipient—and, of course, it was—but perhaps another Biblical truth aptly applies here, as well: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
As we release this blessing, as we wash the proverbial feet of the “one anothers” in our world, we are Christ’s love, with skin on. We are choosing to follow the example of our Lord Jesus.
When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he washed 24 feet—including those of Judas. Even as He was kneeling in humility, performing this lowliest of acts, He knew the heart of the one before Him. He knew Judas would betray Him. Do we withhold the blessing because we consider the recipient unworthy?
Knowing the truth makes us accountable to live the truth. Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)
Obedience brings blessing … every single stinkin’ time!
Whose “feet” need some loving care in your world today? Is God is calling you to be the one to do the washing? Don’t miss the blessing He has for you. It comes with obedience.
How is He calling you to love with actions?
Sometimes love is better served up with a bucket and a towel, than with kind words and good thoughts. Today, I invite you to consider how God might be calling you to modern-day “foot washing”—sacrificial actions that could bless you or someone in your life.
For this week’s teaching video, Laura is joined by her friend, Kristin Isaac, to discuss I Thessalonians 5:11 and how to encourage one another to stand strong in our faith. After listening, we invite you to print your copy of this month’s bookmark from our Downloads page!
