Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

At the mid-point of this holy week, we reflect on the way Jesus humbled - even degraded - himself as he washed his friends’ feet before dinner.

Perhaps he was inspired by the woman who anointed his feet? This moment challenges all of us, and those who love Jesus in particular, as we anticipate the execution.

Thanks to Jim Forest under Creative Commons

Prepare for this time by finding a bowl, filling it with water, and placing it and a towel nearby.

Sit quietly for a moment or two - what do you want from this time of reflection?

Ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to receive what God desires for you.

Then, slowly read today’s story as told by John - the only one of the four gospel writers who includes this intimate scene.

The image used above is The Washing of Feet by Sieger Koder.

Fix your attention on the figures of Jesus and one of his good friends, Peter. Study the position of each.

All the drama and intimacy is focussed centrally, where the heads of the two men meet. Jesus’ face is hidden, his visible hand outstretched to the bowl of water. Peter’s feet are in the water. Is the washing over? About to begin?

Jesus kneels, bowed low. His head might be resting on Peter’s chest or knees. Is he overcome with grief, the action temporarily suspended? Are both men caught up in deep emotion, pausing when the washing is over?

Peter’s left hand is out-turned. Here is his protest: ‘Never!’ Blunt as ever, Peter was horrified that Jesus - Christ, Lord, Master, Rabbi, Messiah - should wash his feet.

But, “If I do not wash you, you can have no share with me”.

And the right hand surrenders: more than surrenders. Peter rests on Jesus. The rest between friends, a wordless communion. The rest which God alone can bring to human hearts.

A towel hangs over Jesus’ shoulder. Its fringes and border patterns evoke prayer shawls worn by Orthodox Jews as a sign of covenant and commitment, marking the sacredness of prayer.

Look again at the two figures, carefully. Place yourself in the position of each, in turn. If possible, do this physically as well as imaginatively. Remain in each position for a while, in silence.

Talk to Peter. What do you ask? What might he answer?
Imagine Jesus kneeling before you, asking to wash your feet. How do you feel? What do you say?

Now, reflect on what you have thought and felt. Has it revelaled anything new about Jesus? Peter? Yourself?

If you wish to take this further……

This is a time in which serving others takes on a whole new perspective. Key workers put themselves at risk of contracting Covid- 19. We can all offer acts of kindness to neighbours - a smile, a conversation, an offer to do some shopping.

Recall recent situations where people served you. How did you receive this?
Recall recent opportunities to serve. What was/is the quality of your service?

“For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? Yet here am I among you as one who serves”

— Jesus, Luke 22:27

Can you picture yourself washing someone’s feet - either metaphorically or in practical service?

Why not? If you wish to change this, you could wash your hands/face in a bowl of water as an act of repentance.

Why? Pray for those you serve and also for continued humility - your feet may be in need of washing, too!

Hand washing has become very important. Remember those who do have not the water or sanitation to maintain healthy cleanliness. Wash your hands in the bowl of water and be thankful.

You could donate to Water Aid

You could donate to Toilet / Tap Twinning

Thank you for your presence. We offer the song Servant King (Maranatha! Music) to close this reflection.