Being washed by Jesus

Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Today we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. In Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus and the disciples celebrate the Passover, and Jesus gives the Passover tradition another purpose. In John, the timing is different by a whole day. For John, Jesus is the Passover lamb, hanging on the cross as the lambs are sacrificed in the temple.

This meal in John is a farewell supper, with an opportunity for Jesus to give his instructions to the disciples. He’ll be leaving them soon, and he wants them to carry on his ministry. He wants to make sure they carry it on in the same attitude of servanthood, the same giving spirit, that he has taught and demonstrated from the beginning.

Jesus’ sermon extends for several chapters in John, but it’s prefaced by this loving action of washing the disciples’ feet. We’re often very good at giving. When we give, we are in charge. We select the gift, we select the way in which it will be presented, to whom, and how much of our wealth and of ourselves we are willing to invest in the giving. This act of washing the disciples’ feet is a gift to them.

When we receive a gift, we aren’t in control, except in how we respond to it. We have several options when we are given a gift. We can be excited about it, overwhelmed with it, displeased with it, even refuse to accept it.

In Jesus’ time, foot washing was properly done by slaves, who would kneel down in front of a seated person and wash the dust, sweat, and other accumulations from walking ancient streets while wearing sandals. But, Jesus wants to do this task for the disciples, to teach them not just to give to him, but to receive from him, and to teach them to give to others as servants.

Peter, not surprisingly, first tries to refuse this gift, then wants more than is offered. It is probable that they would all have bathed before coming to dinner, so only the feet needed washing as they entered the house.

Whenever I have suggested foot-washing as part of this Holy Thursday service, people have declined, and some have vehemently refused. People say, feet smell; feet have bumps, deformities, scars and warts; feet should be private – except for a pedicure; I’ll wash my own feet, thank you.

But, Jesus wants to wash our feet; Jesus wants us to receive the whole gift of his servanthood. Jesus wants to give us everything, to have us depend on him for everything we have including life itself. Allowing him to wash our feet is a symbol of our acceptance of his gifts.

In invite you to close your eyes for a moment, and imagine Jesus kneeling at your feet with a pitcher of warm water, a basin to catch the water, and a soft towel. … Now, imagine him holding your right foot and then your left as he removes your shoes and socks … Let Jesus place your feet gently into the basin and pour water over them. … Allow him to massage the warm water onto your feet, rubbing away the tiredness of the day, the fatigue of the years. Allow him to tenderly touch all those bumps, warts, scars, and deformities. … Let Jesus take your feet one at a time from the basin and dry them with the towel, … and then put your socks and shoes back on. … Don’t worry, he knows just how you like them, socks or no socks, tightly or loosely tied laces, slipped on or unbuckled and re-buckled. Of course, Jesus will give your feet a little pat as he finishes and sets them back on the floor.

As you open your eyes, think about the image of Jesus washing your feet. How did that feel? Was it easy or hard to let go of control of your feet? Was it easy or hard to imagine that Jesus – one persona of the Triune God – was touching your feet?

Of course, we know that Jesus has done much more than wash our feet. He has given up his life for us, to assure us of God’s love, God’s forgiveness, God’s desire that all of creation is enveloped in divine care. In a few moments, as we receive the gift of bread and wine, Christ’s body and blood, we allow it to nurture and strengthen our spirits so we may go out and serve others as Jesus did then and continues to do now.

For now, think about this:

In what ways do your feet need washing?

In what ways do you resist being washed?

In what ways could you wash the feet of others for Jesus’ sake?

Please pray with me. Jesus, reminders of your death sadden us. Remembering your servanthood sometimes makes us resist your leading in our lives. Help us to be courageous enough to serve as you have called us to serve, to give as you call us to give, and to receive as you call us to receive. Amen