John 13:14-15 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
This past Sunday in our youth discussion, we talked about foot washing experiences from a teen’s perspective. Many had washed the feet of a younger sibling and had a few recollections to share about that experience. I recounted to them my own experiences of washing our daughters’ feet when they were babies and little ones – and more recently washing my own father’s feet as he dealt with the rigidity of Parkinson’s. In today’s culture, foot washing is most intimately shared within families, if at all. In Biblical times, foot washing transpired before a meal, as guests were arriving at the house. If the family was wealthy enough, a servant or slave would do the washing. In the absence of those individuals, a young wife or children in the house might wash the feet of guests.* Back in Biblical times, the chef of a dinner party might have received accolades for a meal well prepared. And, the host of the dinner party would certainly have received compliments for the beauty of the home, the entertainment that was planned, the delicious food, and for a time well enjoyed. Guests would have left singing the praises of the host! But, the servant or slave who washed the feet of guests? No…not so much acknowledgement or appreciation shown there.
This got me thinking about all of the little items that need attending to on any given Sunday at our church. There is much detail required to pull off a seamless service! Much preparation is done that never comes to light, and many hands are required to accomplish the myriad of tasks! For that matter, as we lean into the three-pronged emphasis of our church’s strategic plan – spiritual life, congregational care, and community engagement – much behind-the-scenes work is required to facilitate these ministries. To me, the foot washing passage in Jahn referenced above puts all workers on equal footing. There is no pecking order in God’s kingdom! We are all servants who diligently work the tasks set before us. Some feature more prominently than others, but all are important!
It is easy to feel overlooked and undervalued, and we all have those moments. One reason that we intend to repeat a Gratitude Sunday later this year is to celebrate the body of Christ that we have right here at St. John’s. It is a day to acknowledge our gratitude for those whose service touches our lives. When we stop to think about it, every person plays a vital role in our church family – just by being present, whether virtually or physically! We all matter to one another and to God. Dear Lord, may we follow the example of Jesus by serving in even the most mundane of ways. May we find fulfillment in all tasks of servitude, no matter how great or small. And … may we take the time to “see” those who serve quietly in unassuming roles.
Blessings to all as we celebrate a warm and sunny week!
Diana
*Information provided by Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange
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