Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

The story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is only found in the book of John, and yet it is one of the most well-known and beloved stories of his final week on Earth.  It was common-place for a host to offer water for their guests to wash their feet (most likely dusty & dirty from their journey).  However, it was unheard of for a host to offer to wash their feet for them. 

Even today, with the invention of socks and enclosed footwear, touching another person’s feet is a very intimate act.  Our feet are accustomed to the rough ground and baring our weight throughout the day, not the soft touch of a hand.  Even, on the rare occasion, when I get a pedicure, I’m always a little jumpy when the woman reaches up to grab my foot. 

Somehow, I feel that Jesus was very aware of this—seeking to touch the part of their body that was deemed untouchable.  Peter, refuses Jesus, as any of us probably would have; however, Jesus insists...he always seemed to be touching things that no one else thought he should (the sick, lepers, unclean women, children).  You would think that Peter would have learned to stop telling him not to do things; but then again, Peter did always need to learn things the hard way.

I think this story is so gripping because, for most of us, if we knew of our impending death, we would probably be very selfish. We would be thinking of all the things we’ve never done or trying to cram everything into our last night. Instead, we find Jesus washing feet. 

After he finishes, he tells his disciples that they are the foot-washers now.  They are called to touch the untouchable and do the unexpected… responding to life and all people with selfless love.  We are called to do the same.

Today, as you think about the final night of Jesus’ life, his final meal with his friends, be reminded that service is the greatest act of love.

Written by Keely DeBoever