We can all think of the most disgusting jobs or chores we have ever done. For me, it's washing dishes. For real- worst.job.ever. There are few things in this world that actually make my stomach wretch like reaching in to a sink of luke warm dish water filled with floating food particles. If I'm really lucky, there are soggy bread chunks waiting for me in the bottom.
I'll do anything to get out of washing dishes. I'll volunteer to take out the trash, I'll race up the steps to give the kids a bath, I'll even chose the LAUNDRY! To me, dishes are the bottom of the barrel. The worst job I can think of- end of story! We all have these tasks that we deem "lowly". We envision ourselves doing things that are more meaningful than the lowliest of tasks. I have been challenged lately by Jesus' work at the dinner before his arrest on his disciples feet. Yes, their feet!
To set the scene for you, foot washing was the task saved for the lowest position in the house, usually a servant. In Jesus' day, people didn't wear shoes, and those that did wore sandals. I don't know about you, but my feet are GROSS after a long day in flip flops. Streets were mucked with garbage and human waste, dirt roads were the only path to travel, and there were no vehicles- your feet got you everywhere and through everything! As the disciples are arguing about who is the most important one (likely vying for the seat closest to Jesus), Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them an important lesson. He removes his clothing, dressed in little as a house slave would be, and he begins the task of washing their feet. Kyle Idleman describes it as "the hands of the creator serving creation". He works his way around the table, even washing the feet of Judas, who would sell him out for 30 pieces of silver before the night was over. When he is finished, Jesus says " Do you understand what I have done for you? 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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master..." John 13:12-16.
The hands that lovingly created us, seek to wash us clean. The hands that parted the Red Sea (Exodus 15:21), made the sun stand still in the sky (Joshua 10:13), and carefully put each of us together (Psalm 139) provide the ultimate example of servanthood. I look at my own hands, and see how little they really do from this heavenly perspective.
I am challenged by Jesus' action here. In our modern world, the more power you have, the more you delegate and the less in touch with people you are. Power and status define success. The higher up the ladder you are, the less likely it is that you will take part in those lowly tasks. To be honest, there is much in me that desires the position. The ability to make decisions and effect change. I want the recognition, and I ask God to get me there. Jesus' example here is counter-cultural, like everything He did. He is the Teacher, their Rabbi; He puts his earthly position aside to teach a lesson in humility. His last act of service to his disciples before his death- and he wants them to remember:
The first will be the last, the least will be the greatest, and the meek will inherit the earth.
Comments