The Woman Who Lived A Sinful Life - Her Life And Times

The Woman Who Lived a Sinful Life - Her Life And Times

WASHING FEET

The scene in this story is one of about thirteen instances in which Scripture talks about washing one’s feet. The sinful woman in this story did the act reserved for the lowest, most inexperienced servant of the household.

Most people in Palestine wore sandals or went barefoot, so their feet were constantly dirty from the dust of the roads and fields. When they went into a house, they removed their sandals at the door. A good host or hostess made sure guests’ feet were washed as soon as they entered the home. A basin of cool water and a towel were the only equipment required. After walking on hot dusty roads, the foot washing provided not only clean feet for entering a home but also a refreshing start to a visit.

When the three visitors came to Abraham when he was living “near the great trees of Mamre” (doesn’t that sound like a wonderful place to live?), Abraham provided water for them to wash their feet (Genesis 18:1 – 5). Lot revealed the basic rules of Eastern hospitality when he invited the two angels into his home, telling them to “wash your feet and spend the night” (Genesis 19:1 – 3). Laban provided water for all of those with Abraham’s servant to wash their feet (Genesis 24:32). In Egypt, Joseph made sure his brothers had water to wash their feet after their long journey from Palestine (Genesis 43:24). The priests were told they must always wash their feet and hands before going into the temple (Exodus 30:19 – 21). Not surprisingly, the list of good deeds that New Testament widows should be known for included, along with raising children and showing hospitality, “washing the feet of the saints” (1 Timothy 5:10).

The fact that foot washing was a task reserved for the lowest servant in the household makes Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet (John 13) all the more poignant. His simple act shocked them and showed them in the clearest way possible how to be a servant leader. Washing. Touching feet fouled by dust and grime. Kneeling before those who by rights should kneel before him!

Not always so easy, is it? Those unpleasant, humble tasks that require little expertise and gain little notice. Scrubbing the kitchen floor at church. Washing the greasy hair of an elderly man who cannot do it for himself. Folding laundry. Tending sick children. What menial chore is on your list of things to do today? It’s not the task itself that’s important, it’s what’s in your heart while doing it. Will you accomplish it with thoughts that you were meant to do greater things? Or with a simple love for the one you serve?