Dirty Feet

Washing someone’s feet in bible times was like cleaning someone else’s toilet in modern times.  What would you do if you knew that the President was coming to your home to clean your toilet?  Eeeek.  Exactly!

As we listen to the Religous Right tout their purity, cling to the righteousness of their cause and inform the rest of us that they are the ones representing the Bible, read what Jesus did and compare the two. (words in blue are my comments)

John 13
“Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God.  So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.  When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, ‘Master, you wash my feet?’ (or Master, you wash my toilet?)

“Jesus answered, ‘You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.’  Peter persisted, ‘You’re not going to wash my feet – ever!” (or You’re not going to clean my toilet – ever!)

“Jesus said, ‘If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.’

“‘Master!’ said Peter, ‘Not only my feet, then.  Wash my hands!  Wash my head!’ (or Not only my toilet, clean my floor, wash my dishes)

This goes beyond political views.  The point is if we are going to hold up signs and slogans that label us as Christians, we better be prepared to act in a way that represents the Christ that we follow.

“You address me as Teacher and Master, and rightly so.  That is what I am.  So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet.  I’ve laid down a pattern for you.  What I’ve done, you do.  I’m only pointing out the obvious.  A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer.  If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it – and live a blessed life.”