During supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his
hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from
the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then
he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and
to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon
Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will
understand.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless
I wash you, you have no share with me.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and
my head!”
Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for
the feet, but is entirely clean.

- John 13:2b-10a (NRSV)

Christ’s washing his disciples’ feet was an act that shocked even his disciples, as can be observed by Peter’s responses. It was customary for each to either wash their sandalled feet, or to have a servant assist with the same, upon entry to another’s house prior to a meal. However, for the rabbi to wash his disciples’ feet was not custom. Christ’s washing his disciples’ feet – our feet – though shocking, is an act typical of our humble Saviour, and typifies the servant leadership which we are encouraged to follow. It is uncomfortable: just as we balk at making ourselves vulnerable by allowing another to view, touch and wash our feet, so the disciples did that day.

At the end of each day, where have my feet travelled, and where have yours trod? What can the dust that has gathered on our sandalled feet tell of the story of our days and our lives? Unraveling those stories, including how we have felt and loved, at the end of each day in the gentle and loving presence of God, is akin to dusting off our feet, and gingerly allowing Christ to tenderly wash each. Perhaps also, our taking the time, with Christ, to listen to each others’ stories in this regard, and to receive each in Christ’s love and hold each with tender care, is to wash each others’ feet, as Christ would have us do.

Revd Claudia Coustas

Chaplin