“So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to
wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.” John 13:4-5 (NLT)
What a beautiful display of humility and love that Jesus showed for His disciples. Washing people’s feet in that time and culture was
necessary, and usually done by the servant of the house.
Sometimes, I find it easy to do things for people, but there are times when it is a bit hard to receive. I guess I have felt that I don’t deserve it. Maybe I felt dirty and unclean at the time — not talking particularly about my feet, but about my heart.
Not too long ago, I was at a ladies retreat. At the end, we did foot washing. I was unaware that we were going to do this, otherwise I
would have got a pedicure! Anyway, I was happy to wash another’s feet. But when it was her turn to wash mine, I did not expect my reaction . . . I cried!
You see, at one time at a young age, I was abused. I did feel unclean and dirty inside, but God has been healing me. So when someone actually chose to bend down to kneel beside me and wash my feet, I somehow felt dirty and unworthy — but as soon as she started to wash my feet, somehow I felt that it was Jesus Himself washing my feet!
That is why I cried — it was tears of joy and healing. It was Jesus showing His servant heart of love for me.
— Myrna Kopf
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org