Stinky Feet

Read Matthew 26:17-30  

“Simon Peter said, ‘You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'” (Matthew 16:16, The Message)

When I worked in a homeless clinic, my nurse friend and I would go to Milwaukee Rescue Mission on Holy Week Thursday to provide foot care to the residents. We sat on newspapers and the men came and sat in the chairs in front of us. Their feet showed the difficulties of life lived outside in the cold winter. We soaked and dried their feet, pared corns and calluses, carefully removed macerated skin from between their toes, and clipped long toenails. We powdered their feet and rolled on new, absorbent socks. When the line of men finished, we stood and shook the clippings and dead skin off our clothes and out of our hair. The men were so grateful for such personal service. We disposed of the newspapers and returned to the clinic to clean our supplies. Each time was a vivid reminder of our Lord’s humble service.

On Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ last supper and footwashing. How He rose from the table and washed the disciples’ dirty feet. How He reclined at the table with them and predicted His betrayal. Today is our time to call to mind our Lord’s terrible and lonely journey to the Cross. He knew what was coming. He willingly walked into betrayal and made Himself so vulnerable, so surrendered. He loved to the end those who didn’t understand Him, who couldn’t stay awake to pray for Him, who denied knowing Him, who betrayed Him with a kiss, and who fled as He was crucified. 

Today, let’s take time to carefully remember Jesus’ experiences of betrayal and the extraordinary love that propelled Him forward. The men who received foot care from us expressed amazement and gratitude that we would enter into care that they considered disgusting and shameful. How much more profound should our response be to Jesus’s personal care for us. May we cry out anew from our hearts, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God!” 

FOR REFLECTION:

• Imagine Jesus decisively and tenderly caring for the hardened, dirty, and wounded parts of you. Let go in His healing care. 
• Imagine sharing an intimate meal with Jesus. Feel Him look into your eyes, knowing all your denials and betrayals. Offer them up for His forgiveness.

by Lisa Sinclair