In the World/Not of the WorldSample

Dirty Feet in Holy Hands

Have you ever had a day of hot, sweaty work, and when you take your shoes off, you just about get knocked out?

In John 13, Jesus does something remarkable: He washes His disciples’ feet.

I could sit on the reality that this was a servant’s job, and now a rabbi is doing it, modeling servanthood for us. But instead, I want to focus on what’s not said.

John says that Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist and washed their feet. That means He would have gotten down on His knees, lifted their sweaty, dirty feet with His holy hands, and cleaned them, literally taking their dirt onto Himself.

And here’s the kicker—it didn’t affect Him. He was still Jesus, God with skin on.

It’s a beautiful picture of how Jesus was able to live among the dirty and the destitute, the lost and the broken, and yet bring purity and holiness, never wavering in who He is.

Life is messy and dirty. Are we willing to be like Jesus in the mess?

As Christian men, we need to be strong enough in our faith to touch the “dirt” of others but not let it affect us at all.

Maybe it’s in your workplace where you are surrounded by people who swear and drop crass jokes.

Maybe it’s in your family where you are the only one who is living for Jesus.

Maybe it’s on the public bus, where no one gives up their seat for the elderly or pregnant women.

No matter where you are, put on your “towel” and do something about the “dirty feet” around you.

To be in the world but not of it is to live to serve others so that they see Jesus in you.

It may not always feel good, but we need to let them see the One who took our “dirt” for us—the One who wants to wash their feet and take their “dirt” too.

Prayer: Jesus, I confess that I too often want to keep my hands clean from others. Forgive me, and help me to be Your hands in the dirty world around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: This week, pay attention to the different areas of life around you. You never know whose “dirt” you might be able to clean.