Washing One Another's Feet

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13: 14-15)

When Christ washed the feet of his disciples, he was demonstrating how they were to go to the world and care for others. The humble giving of footwashing showed great love.    
"In the story of the footwashing, then, we have the most profound revelation of the heart of God apart from the crucifixion itself. We also learn more of the relation between Jesus and his disciples, the relation of the disciples with one another in humble service and the mission of the disciples to the world." (http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Washes-Disciples-Feet)

Where do you wash other's feet? That may sound disgusting, but it was much more disgusting when the people in Jesus's time wore sandals and walked many days without washing. My son is a Podiatrist. Part of his education included caring for the feet of the homeless in a free foot clinic in Harlem every week. It was such an important humbling experience for all the students at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine to begin caring for the "least of these." At first it was difficult for my son and most all the students to deal with the stench, gangrenous injuries, and disease in those neglected feet. But after getting past the first few times of working in this clinic, it became one of his favorite training experiences because he developed relationships with the people who came on a regular basis. Despite the horrible condition of their feet, all the students learned to treat each person (who happened to be homeless for a variety of reasons), with respect and good healthcare.

God wants each of us to do likewise in whatever form of service we are able. Maybe you can wash another's feet by walking alongside them to the doctor when they are afraid of the diagnosis. Maybe the washing you can give is through providing a listening presence to a hurt soul who is desperately alone but is ashamed to ask for company. Maybe you can wash another's feet by bringing them to church when they are afraid to walk in alone. Pray for God to show you how to wash another's feet and reach out beyond your comfort zone to provide God's love through your humble service. Our Outreach Committee has many great ideas for helping “the least of these” in our world. See our Outreach section of our website at: http://www.pcmorristown.org
The gift of yourself will bring blessings not just to the receiver, but also to the humble giver. For God so loved the world!