Footwashing and Servanthood
For scriptural background, please refer to John 13:1-17
The pendulum swings both ways. We need help too, sometimes, and we need to be humble enough to accept a servant when one comes into our lives.
"Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have
the grace to let you be my servant too."
(taken from Hymnal: A worship Book -- Richard Gillard, 1976)
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. (John 13:14-15 NIV)
-J.L. Milkne
The Mennonite practice of washing another's feet is more than just touching someone else's feet. It is the best way of non-verbally communicating the willingness to serve all who may be in need; in the church, the community and total strangers.
Jesus washed his disciples' feet, showing that he, as their King, would serve them in life and in death. We can do the same for those around us. It doesn’t mean we actually have to remove the shoes of another to show we will be their servant, it means we must be aware of those around us, see their needs, and help them if at all possible. Being a servant to someone also means showing them where they can get help if we cannot help the person ourselves.
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