The Washing of Feet

Yesterday I was searching the gospels for a specific "story" and ended up in a whole different place. I was drawn to that account of the Last Supper when Jesus washed His disciple's feet in John Chapter 13. Several things struck me. 

First, the Creator of the Earth and the Most High God, clothed in the flesh of a man, removed his outer garments, got on His hands and knees and washed His disciples feet. This brought tears to my eyes. That God, who created all things and is worthy of all glory and praise, did not think it too lowly to wash the feet of those He created. And if that were not enough, the next day He was beaten, mocked, spat upon and hung on a cross to die by those who should have known Him. And He did it of His own free will. 

Second, he washed the feet of the one who said he loved Him, but who loved money more than Him and ultimately betrayed Him for silver. Yes, Judas was at that dinner, for Jesus repeatedly said that there was one among them that was not clean and would betray Him. I wonder what Judas was thinking as he sat there and allowed Jesus to wash his feet knowing what he had already agreed to do. And yet I am reminded that each time I seek the things of this world over the things of God, I am guilty of the same. But because He has purchased me with His blood and I am His, He calls me out of darkness and into light where I lay sweetly broken in remembrance of all He has done for me. I've found that through the process of brokenness I am made more whole. Judas never knew this for overcome with guilt, he hung himself from a tree; for he let Jesus clean him on the outside but not on the inside. 

Lastly, He did this as an example of how I am to love others. I am not to think so highly of myself that I don't just consider humility as something I do but also as something that I should desire more to be. That is one of the reasons I enjoy working at a running shoe store. Each time I sit at the feet of a customer and place shoes on their feet, I am reminded of this act. And yet in comparison to what God did when He washed the feet of His disciples, it is not enough. 

I do not wish to remain ignorant of my lowly stature in the light of the Most High God. I am but dust and yet, He loves me. He loves me so much He died for me and He calls me His bride. His beloved. His. And He feels the same about you.