Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper,
and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.
Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:3-5
The dishes get dirty three times a day. Who's going to wash them? The front porch is filled with leaves every time the wind blows. Who's going to sweep it? The dog needs to be walked. Your brother or sister need help getting their shoes on. The lights are on in the back room. Dad had a hard day at the office. Mom's back is killing her. Larry just got cut from the baseball team. Angie missed becoming the lead in the play.
Opportunities for "foot washing" are all around the house. Golden, wonderful opportunities to demonstrate the God Who lives in your heart are readily available.
Look at the verses again: Jesus, ever though He knew He was God, did the job of the meanest servant. Wow! How easy it is to let a parent serve, to let a wife serve, to let the youngest kid serve, and to hold a position of authority over others.
How exciting, fun, and fulfilling it is to "wash feet" and seize the opportunities God gives us each day to express our care to those we love. Washing feet is the mortar that holds the bricks of a house toge ther. Washing feet is the heart in the Valentine card and the Christ in the Christmas card. When Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home," she was speaking of a house full of foot washers of all ages.
Questions to Share Together:
1. Why is it hard to be a foot washer?
2. What are some practical ways to wash feet in a home?
3. What did Jesus' foot-washing episode say about God's love for you
and me?
Get creative...wash someone's feet today!
Lord Jesus..help me and my children have the heart of a servant following in the example of our heavenly Father. Show us ways to serve others and help to rid us of any selfish spirits that would keep us from following in your example. Help us to understand that in serving others we are honoring and serving you...Amen!
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Amen!
One time when we were living in the old house, I taught the children the lesson on foot-washing and then proceeded to wash their feet. Strange emotions came to the surface, like an unwillingness to let me do it, shyness, embarrassment, teary eyes. I felt God's presence right there in the room.
I like your lesson though because it takes the concept farther. Servanthood is a dying art in our society, and never has been something that people aspire to. I think if there is nothing else I can teach my children, teaching them to serve others like Jesus did would be my greatest legacy to them.
Jesus, teach me to serve with a willing heart and a cheerful demeanor.