Exodus 12:1-14a 1 Corinthians 11:23-26(27-32) John 13:1-15 Psalm 78:14-20,23-25
"Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart this world and go to the Father."
He got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around his waist. He poured water into a basin and knelt before one of his disciples, then gently loosed the straps of his sandals.
Tenderly, Jesus held the feet of the disciple above the basin, and with cupped hands, slowly scooped the water and released it to a trickle over the man's feet, then gently patted them dry with the towel around his waist.
For some, perhaps even for most, the imagery of this scene is uncomfortable. It is an image of intimacy, not always welcome, often misunderstood.
But, if our feet could talk, perhaps we'd find the deepest source of our discomfort is also the way to our greatest joy. What would your feet say if they could talk?
These feet are scarred and blistered. They have traveled far and wide, back and forth, to and from the city gates, past the well, along the King's highway.
If these feet could weep, they'd mourn the passing of the delightful places they have trod. If they could laugh, they'd tell you that truth is stranger than fiction.
If they could regret, they'd ask forgiveness for the forbidden places they have walked. If they could bleed of their own free will, you'd see the thorns they've walked you through.
If these feet could show the shame they feel, you'd see each imperfection you've hidden from the world. If they could show you the map they've followed, you'd see all the dead-ends you've found.
If they could shout and cry, these feet would tell you of the times they ran away in fright; and they'd plea for mercy in lieu of the times they've stood and fought. You'd see these feet have run from evil, and at times they've teetered on the edge.
If you dare to look, you'll see ugly warts and leathered corns; deep ridges on yellowing nails. If you dared to really look, you'd see all feet are pretty much alike.
And Jesus said, "You do not know now what I am doing,but later you will understand." "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me."
But, dear Jesus, these feet are full of dirt and scars, and warts and blisters; why would you want to look at them, how could you touch them tenderly?
Now these clean feet are standing here balmed and saved, tested and redeemed.
And what will Jesus say? He will whisper softly,
"You know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord - and you are right, for that is what I am.
"So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
In humility and love, the Father sent the Son; Now the Son, in humility and love, sends the disciples - you and me.
Whoever receives them receives Christ just as whoever receives Christ receives the Father.
Lord, you know these feet, bloodied and sore, bent with embarrassment. Humbly, now I see, until I let you touch my feet, until I let you wash my wounds, I cannot truly know your love.
So, dear Jesus, my brother here on earth; dear Jesus, my angel's wings to Heaven, my dear Jesus, my Father in Heaven,
Help me to do for others what you have done for me.
Amen