John 13:12-14,16: When he ( Jesus) had washed their feet and he put on his outer
garment and resumed his place, he said to them, Do you understand what I have
done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for so I am. If I then,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s
feet. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master.
In New Testament times it was the job of the lowest servant to wash the feet of the guests
who entered his master’s home. Travelers and visitors would enter the home with dirty
dusty feet so as an act of hospitality they had their feet washed. Jesus assumed the role of
a servant by washing his disciples’ feet just prior to his being crucified.
Foot hygiene is a constant problem with the homeless, and they frequently suffer from
various foot health issues. Many have sores because of the unavailability of proper foot
hygiene.
God laid it on the heart of Dean, one of the men nearing completion of the ‘recovery
program’ at UGM, to demonstrate God’s love in a very tangible way, by offering to
wash the feet of the homeless. So it was at this Friday Night Outreach. He brought wash
basins, soap, towels, and put it into practice. As he washed the feet of the homeless he
offered a prayer on their behalf. As they left he gave them a pair of clean socks.
One man had a huge sore on his foot which was causing him great discomfort; treatment
was given to help soothe the pain. Others didn’t quite know how to respond, but all were
treated with love and dignity.
Once again I received a lesson in demonstrated love and humility. The question I
ask, “Am I willing to wash another’s feet?” and perhaps even a greater question, “Am I
willing to let someone else wash my feet?”
If you would like to join the group for a taste of Friday Night Outreach and see love in
action, you can call UGM to arrange for an appropriate evening.
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