Jesus, Dirt, and Donkey Dung

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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord– and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:5-17 NRSV)

During Holy Week, often on Maundy Thursday, we read this story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples.  It’s mind-blowing really.  I mean, Jesus, God, washes the dirt and donkey dung encrusted feet of his followers.  This is a radical picture of who are God is and how are God acts.  This is an act of humble and self-giving love.

“So if your Lord and Teacher has washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”  In my 8 months of life with this community of faith, I have seen so many of you washing one another’s feet!  Foot washing when hot Meals on Wheels are delivered with a smile.  Foot washing when the children of Chelsea Heights are encouraged as they learn to read.  Foot washing when Bible stories come to life for our Sunday School children.  Foot washing when a card or phone call comes to the person in the hospital or nursing home.  Foot washing when the dishes are bused and cleaned.  Foot washing when a beautiful quilt warms a resettled refugee.  Through your loving service, the dirt and donkey dung of life is washed away for so many.

Keep washing feet Como Park Lutheran!  This kind of radical love will change the world!