Can you wash my feet? (John 13:12-20) 120407
Two days ago, I had lunch with a brother-in-Christ studying in SBC. He is a very interesting brother-in-Christ, who is studying Bachelor in Theology. He was an ex-drug addict, came from a quite well to do family. He is humorous, he is loud, he can be crude at times, but most importantly, he knows the love of God. That day when we were out for lunch, he shared how he appreciates his mother’s love for him. To him that was a glimpse of God’s unconditional love. When he was going in and out of drug rehabilitation center in his youth days, his mother will travel for 3 hours just to pay him a visit for 15 minutes, every week without fail. That is the persistence of God’s love to him.
When I heard that, my heart was really touched and moved. I know this brother has a big heart for everyone around him because he has tasted the goodness, the acceptance and the forgiveness from God. He is now merely doing what God has done in his life.
Jesus told His disciples that they ought to wash one another’s feet too (v14), for He had already set an example for them to follow (v15). If we understand the culture of Jesus’ time, the job of washing feet was to be done by the lowest of lowest among the servants. And Jesus, made known that He was the Lord and Teacher (v13), yet washed His disciples feet, demonstrated His humility and an example of servanthood. I believe the emphasis here is about what you do, but the willingness to get down to serve.
I remember when I was serving as the Youth Director in the Church, I would have to clean up the Youth Room every Monday or when I went back to work after the Sunday. The room was always messed up by the youths on Sunday and others. Sometimes I will grumble to myself, I was not paid to do cleaning up jobs, but this passage always reminded me to be humble, as Jesus humbled Himself.
Just yesterday, a SBC student complaint that the other students of the college were abusing the Oasis, the student lounge. They simply left their can drink on the tea table after consumption, and not be bothered to clear them. I just candidly reminded that student that the church is made up of sinners, and their pastors and leaders are, therefore, chief sinners. As SBC is the place to train these chief sinners, so I am not surprised by their behavior. But by the grace of God that we can be transformed from chief sinners to become the chosen servants to serve God’s people.
I am again reminded that when people gather together in small group, a small group of sinners are coming together, especially Christian small group. Yes, I have no doubt that we are forgiven sinners. But the truth is that we are capable of hurting one another with our words, actions, or even facial expressions intentionally or unintentionally. But strangely too, small group is also the place where we can heal and help one another to grow in Christ. I can never fully understand and explain the dynamic and tension that exists in Christian truth, but I know it works. Just like the idea of Trinity: how can there is only one God and yet the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are distinct? Don’t think too hard if you can’t comprehend.
What is most important is to be like Jesus, not to do what He did, but to have a heart and attitude of humility to serve others. To be willing to do what you do not expect yourself to be able to do. I never expect that I can handle children work, but as I was willing, God put me in BBGB ministry. Be open and see what God wants you to do. Maybe you can start by washing my feet?
