Basin and Towel

It is a strange moment in the gospel accounts.

Jesus gets up from the table, wraps a towel around his waist and kneels to wash his disciples feet. Having preached this passage a number of times over the years, I often point out that it was the place of lowest in a household to undertake this task.

It was not the nicest of jobs to do. Hot climate, open sandals and men’s feet do not make for the nicest experience. A few years ago, I was at a united Maundy Thursday service where the Vicar was to undertake foot washing as part of the act of worship. One of those who was to have his feet washed confided in me;

We were all told to wash our feet before we came. The vicar did not want smelly feet in his face!

In that upper room, Jesus took those feet. Blistered and bunioned, fungal infected, smell and all. He knelt and washed them. It feels, to me, as an intimate moment. I wonder what thoughts went through the disciples minds? What words did Jesus say? How could Jesus kneel at Judas feet and wash them?

As I re-read the passage in my quiet time today, there were some words of Jesus that really spoke to me

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13 vs. 15

It is one of those “ouch” verses for me. There is no excuse, no avoiding it. Jesus has shown us what he requires of us. To kneel and wash each others feet.

That “ouch” has stayed with me and so, I wrote the following prayer

Lord of the basin and towel you call your people to kneel and wash feet. But, if I am honest Lord, it’s not the most appealing job in the world. For, when I kneel, I am prone to make judgements. I am happy to wash the feet of those who deserve it but, find myself repulsed by those I deem don’t.

Lord of the basin and towel you were willing to wash your disciples feet. Among them were John, who called himself the beloved Simon Peter who would deny you and Judas who’s act of betrayal would lead to the cross. Still, you knelt and washed their feet.

Lord of the basin and towel I know I should do as you have done. But it is hard Lord, so today, I ask you to grant me the courage and the grace to follow in your footsteps. Help me to be willing to kneel and wash feet of those I think deserve it and those I think don’t. Help me to see that this is part of what it means to be your disciple and, somehow, may my faltering steps point people towards you.

AMEN