Monday, March 30, 2009

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me “Teacher” and “Lord” and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them’" (John 13:3-5, 12-17).

IDEA: Washing one another's feet points to unseen acts of love that serve others.

PURPOSE: To help listeners flesh out the concept with specifics.

Have you ever taken part in a foot-washing service? How did you prepare for it?

Does a foot-washing service in church resemble what happened when Jesus first washed his disciples' feet?  Read John 13:3-5, 12-17 above.

I. Washing feet was not a ceremony in that society; it was a need that had to be met.

Travelers walked dusty roads in open sandals. On arriving at their destination, they needed to have their dirty feet washed.

II. What does that look like in life today?

A physician who visits a nursing home to cut the toenails of the people there.

A husband who is a student at the university takes a lower grade on a test to do the dishes or to help his wife take care of their baby.

A high school student leaves her friends to befriend a student in the lunch room.

III. "Washing feet" seldom involves the grandstand play; it takes place in smaller, unremembered acts of love and caring.

Jesus mentioned giving a cup of cool water.

It includes a meal for a needy family.

It can mean a visit to someone in prison.