Foot Washing

This week, sometimes called Holy Week, or Passion Week, (between Palm Sunday and Easter) is a special week for many Christians. Special services are generally held on Good Friday as well as of course on Easter Sunday. Some churches also have a service on the Thursday commemorating the last supper. Generally these services have communion and some have foot washing. This is because in the upper room on the Thursday before Jesus was crucified he washed the disciples’ feet.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 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.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 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. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:3-17 (NIV)

I cannot even imagine how awkward it would have been for the disciples to have Jesus wash their feet. I wouldn’t be very comfortable if one day when I am at the corporate office Ed Sider (the CEO of CH) comes up and starts washing my feet, let alone Jesus who had “all things under his power” (v 3).

Many of us have had the trust, privilege and responsibility of bathing individuals we have supported. When I started with CH I worked at a home where this was a daily activity and became rather routine. In my second month on the job I didn’t think anything of it. Around that time I was due for my physical with my family doctor. This involved the doctor touching me in places that not many people do. I remember how clearly it made me see the close way we get to care for those we serve. We should have no trouble identifying with Jesus’ call to serve one another.

It isn’t a part of my church tradition to have foot-washing services. However, I have taken part in one once. For me it was extremely moving. When the person was washing my feet I imagined that it was Jesus. I felt so honoured. Jesus the Lord of the Universe came to serve. When it was my turn to wash someone else’s feet I again imagined that they were Jesus’ feet and I was serving my Lord. He humbled himself to wash the disciples feet and humbled himself ultimately to suffer death on the cross.

The next time God gives you the task of washing/bathing someone I hope you will do it as if it is Jesus you are bathing. But at the same time, also try to imagine that you are the one being washed and Jesus is there serving you.


Mark Wallace