The Return of Serving

Yesterday, I happened to have quite a bit of free time on my hands--mostly due to the fact I was flat on my back with a fever and a bad cold. BUT besides that, I had a chance to think about a few things. Mainly this verse:

"Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." ~John 13:5

The last few weeks my heart has been at a quiet rest that I haven't had in a LONG time, and I can honestly say I am at peace with the way my Lord has ordered the steps of this season. But as I read this verse (integrated in a section of Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest"),  my heart started stirring again.

What would that look like if we did that today?

Feet, even in today's culture, are not considered the absolute cleanest part of our bodies. In Jesus' time, foot washing was considered a job for only servants, due to how filthy feet were. I mean, think about it: people walked everywhere and didn't wash their feet nearly as frequently as their hands. When lounging to eat at a table, they laid intentionally with their feet away from the table (leaning on their left elbow, using their right hand to eat) because their feet were unclean.

Yet Jesus did not hesitate.

Picture: The Lord of Creation, kneeling at your feet, gently cupping your soiled feet in his hands and lowering them into a basin of water. As he gently moves water over each foot, there is love and humility in every touch. You never see him wrinkle his face in disgust, or make some joke about what you did to get your feet so completely filthy. He continues, as his own hands become soiled, until your feet are completely clean. A King, so mighty that Angels spend their entire days crying "Holy!", quiet in love and patience finishes his task with care. As he towels them dry, he speaks gently "[...] You ought to wash one another's feet".

"Washing Feet" means humble serving. 

I feel like there are so many things to take away from this passage, yet for me, God has really been focusing on the fact that Jesus wasn't just out to make their feet clean--He was demonstrating how to serve. Taking people and their problems--however dirty and caked with filth they are--and intentionally placing their needs above your own in order to show Christ's love for them. It is done in bigger tasks, such as leading a person to the Lord or counseling someone in distress. But, as God is showing me this year, it is also done in small tasks..such as doing a chore you know a family member hates or simply making time for people. I have realized how often I have gotten so wrapped up in my own physical issues that I brush aside my family. I can't imagine Jesus brushing past someone in order to get somewhere on time or because he had a bad headache--I can't imagine it because he never did.

Taking burdens upon yourself so that Christ may be glorified.

Man. I want to be like Jesus. I want to put to ultimate death the desires of the flesh, and send my fear packing once and for all. I want to have eyes that reflect a heart full of love and delight in His peace.
As I pray about how I can be humbling myself and how to serve those around me (specifically, my family), I challenge you to truly think about those you interact with--how can you wash someone's feet?

In Him,
Anna