What’s so Great About Washing Feet?

Washing feet. Not a glamorous job. But a job worthy of the King of Kings to perform with love and humility.

But there’s more. He then admonishes us to be like Him.

“Oh Lord, I want to be like you…I really do”, we say. He replies, “then wash their feet.”

“No, I mean I want an honorable ministry. Ya know, one that other people will point to and say, ‘my, how godly she is!’ ” And Jesus says, “then you have shall have no part with me.”

It’s no accident that everything the Lord requires of us is hatefully opposed to our nature. “Love your enemies….be last…lose your life…crucify the flesh…and yes, wash feet.” But the beautiful irony is that only when we submit to living a life that He asks of us, does His grace gush in like a tidal wave, and carry us up on its crest, enabling us to do the hardest of things.

We are proud, stubborn creatures, who, if we find ourselves forced to “wash feet” for any length of time, begin, before we’re even done, to throw ourselves a pity party, and evoke the sympathies of others to soothe our poor, pathetic lots in life. But the Lord says “wash feet”, and do it cheerfully.

WHY???

Because it conforms us to His image. Because it’s not the glory we receive here that counts for anything. It’s the eternal reward of faithful, consistent, often unnoticed obedience.

Motherhood provides one of the greatest opportunities to “wash feet” that I can think of. And isn’t it just like the Lord to give us a job that often seems too big to handle? “I can’t handle anymore children.” Of course you can’t. That’s the whole point! He knows you can’t, but He is begging you to let Him show his power through you!

If I can handle my life, why do I need a Savior? Do you know where he wants us? In a place of helpless, desperation, where we finally cry out, “OK, you’re right, I can’t do it!” Ah. Now that’s what a pliable lump of clay looks like. Now we can be used for something.

Already this morning I have cleaned up two full bowls of spilled milk (one all over the cloth cushion of the kitchen chair), settled I don’t know how many disputes, had to discern why the little ones are fussing, when to discipline, when to gently listen, urge the children to “speak gently” meanwhile pushing my urge to explode down, mop the floor, answer math questions, change diapers, pick up the living room….again, wash dishes…well, you know….your list is as long as mine.

And for some reason, today seems harder than most. I had already planned to “tell my husband all about it” when he called. As if that would be a blessing to him, or to my listening children.

>So the Lord beckons me to take a deep breath, retreat into a quiet place, and pour out to Him my frustrations.

>Then, pick up a clean towel, smile, and go wash some more feet!

Tending needs both day and night.

Changing diapers, giving kisses.

The sacrifice for others’ needs.

Or heard the applause of worldly praise.

She knew what others couldn’t see.

About that treasure this mother knew.

And then she felt His strong embrace.

The King of Kings knelt at her feet.

She gasped in horror through her tears.

To let her wash her Savior’s feet.

“You did, when you served the least of these”.