Wash My Feet, Lord

This is Holy Week. I was reading the account of the time preceding Jesus death in John. I love John’s perspective on many things. He was young and loved Jesus with exuberance and enthusiasm that only a young person can. As they ate, what we refer to as the “Last Supper” they sat on the floor, probably on cushions, with a low table. They would lean in to talk to each other. Jesus was trying to explain to them that He was going away and would not be with them anymore. That they could not go with him now, but they would be with him some day. They could not understand how or why this would happen. Then Jesus washed their feet. Now,

because washing someone’s feet was done by someone of lowly servitude, Peter told Jesus “NO, you will never wash MY feet.” But Jesus told Peter than unless he washed Peter’s feet, he would have no part in Him. Peter’s response was, then wash not only my feet, but my hands and head as well. I understand that thought. I want everything that God has for me. Fill me up Lord.

 I came across a picture of Jesus washing Peter’s feet. It was a beautiful picture of service and love. Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Most High, God incarnate, would stoop so low as to wash the feet of his disciples. They were confused, but they often were. I know I am too. It can be so hard to know what to do when you think you are in God’s will and plan for you but suddenly it appears that you are not. You hit a wall, and you find yourself saying “God, you brought me here, now are you trying to tell me this wasn’t the right way?” Why doesn’t God give us a road map for these times. Let me in on the secret? Jeremiah 29 says “I know the plans I have for you…” Well, Lord, Let ME know. I think we have all had that feeling at some point.

At times I thought the disciples were a little slow on following what Jesus was teaching, but I realize, I should not be so quick to criticize as I am often slow to understand as well. The days prior to Jesus’ death, He spent trying to prepare his disciples for his death and even his resurrection. But it was too hard for them to comprehend all of it.

Soon, Judas would betray Jesus with a kiss. He would hand him over to his accusers to be crucified. His disciples did not see this coming. Peter, who loved him so, denied knowing him, 3 times! But when Peter was sentenced to death some years later, he asked to be crucified upside down as he felt unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

I cannot pretend to know the sadness and despair they felt. They didn’t fully understand the plan. They didn’t understand WHY God would let Jesus die, and they certainly didn’t understand that He would be brought back to life!

“Good Friday” did not get it’s name until years after. WHAT was so “GOOD” about it? The horrible things that our Lord endured? The fact that He died? That his mother wept? His disciples mourned?  

The “Good” came on Sunday when He arose from the grave. The “Good” was that He did this for us. That he took our sins (who had NO sin of his own) and paid for them on the cross. That we may spend eternity in heaven with HIM.

Amazing love, how can it be that you my God would die for me!

Shirlene Peterson