Real Hope: Jesus' Life & MinistrySample

Washing Feet

Feet washing is not really a thing we do anymore. We have showers and our feet are, unintentionally or intentionally, washed.

However, in the Gospels we hear about people’s feet being washed and about Jesus shaking the dust off His feet as He left towns. Why?

One of the very practical reasons is they were dirty. I know – what a great insight! The thing I’ve been thinking about lately is that this was a very real element of Jesus’ mission. Jesus’ mission was to ‘Go to the nations and make disciples’. This became His disciples’ mission too. And now it is ours. For Jesus, Peter, Paul, Matthew… and all the disciples, taking the Word of God to the nations was VERY active. They got up, left their homes, travelled and went to the people. They TOOK the Gospel.

When I think about how I take part in Jesus’ mission for me, sometimes I do this. Sometimes I go to my family gatherings or to meet with friends and I talk with them about Jesus. Sometimes I go and put leaflets out about church events so people can meet Jesus. Sometimes I go and help hand Easter buns out in local parks. But sometimes I only think about going next door to my neighbours to help them and build relationships. Sometimes I only hear when my pastor encourages us to pray and invite people to Christmas services. Sometimes I keep my feet clean.

It reminds me of how very true the words of Isaiah 52:7 are. There is such beauty in obeying God’s call to us to go and make disciples. To be VERY active in TAKING the Gospel. Oh Lord, would you right my wandering heart.

Written by KATIE SMITH