Wet Feet
Wet Feet by Phil
One of the many highlights of Holy Week is the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. (Bonus info: "Maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum" meaning "command," referring to Jesus' statement in John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." )
According to John's gospel, during the passover meal, Jesus rose and washed the disciples' feet. Why did He do this? It made a great "teachable moment," but the reason was very practical. Unlike the famous painting by da Vinci, the disciples most likely would have celebrated the passover reclined on the floor at a short table. That would put each person's head next to their neighbor's feet, and one of the immutable facts of life - men's feet stink. There would have typically been a servant waiting to wash everyone's feet as they entered the room for the feast, but for some reason, this night there was none. So Jesus just got up and did what needed to be done. He didn't pass the job on to someone else, He didn't complain and grumble, He didn't even expect recognition for going above and beyond. He just did it. No accolades, no glory, and according to the gospel, not even a "thank you."
Sometimes following Jesus just means doing what needs to be done. Not for recognition, not for acknowledgment, not for personal benefit to our wallets or egos - just because it needs doing. Jesus' command to "love one another" can be accomplished in two simple steps - see the need, meet the need. First, we must take our eyes off ourselves, our activities and stuff and look at those around us. Look with eyes of compassion, and when you see someone needing help, help them. Do you have time to help? Probably not. Will it be inconvenient? Most likely. Do it anyway, without complaining or expecting anything in return. Just do it.
See the need, meet the need - and in the process fulfill Jesus' "mandatum" to love one another.
For a Christ follower, every day is Maundy.
Be someone's blessing,
Phil and Pam
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Phil & Pam Morgan
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