Etiquette and protocol are of utmost importance when hosting dignitaries and guests of honor. Hosts must demonstrate the finest of what they have to offer, while at the same time respecting the culture of their guests.
The recent coverage of the United Nations General Assembly demonstrated quite effectively the politics of etiquette as who hugged, kissed, bowed to, or shook the hand of each leader was scrutinized to the fullest degree.
With such an analysis of hospitality, can you image the horror of being the home owner of the upper room in which Jesus shared the last supper with His disciples, as generation after generation of preachers accuse you of neglecting to offer a proper foot washing to the Lord Jesus and those disciples?
Consider what it must be like to have been that faithful servant, of whom our only Biblical account concerning him is found in Luke 22:10, where we are told the disciples found him “carrying a pitcher of water.” And, without just cause, sermon after sermon has declared him to be negligent of his most basic of hospitality duties.
After my message on “Loving Deeper” yesterday, my father-in-law astutely pointed out to me the simple fact that nowhere in the pages of scripture are we told the disciples’ feet were dirty, or that they had not been washed upon entering the house. We have simply assumed Jesus was completing the task of a neglectful servant by washing the disciples’ feet.
But what if our assumptions cause us to miss the point of what our Lord was doing through this amazing act? Is it possible Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, not because their feet needed to be washed, but rather because the disciples needed to be served?
It is Luke’s gospel that tells us during the Passover meal the disciples began to argue as to which of them would be regarded as the greatest. Jesus responds to this by saying, “I am among you as the one who serves.” Then, it is in John’s gospel that we discover how our Lord illustrated this point. We are told He got up from the table, removed His outer garment, wrapped a towel around Himself, and washed the feet of those arguing about greatness.
So, here is my defense of an honorable homeowner and a faithful servant. I believe they hosted our Messiah well on that Passover evening. I believe the feet of the disciples were clean when Jesus knelt down before them. I believe that as Jesus washed their feet, it was their hearts that received the true cleansing.
What do you think?
Podcast
Did you miss this week’s message? Do you need to grab a quick refresher of what was said? Click here to listen to “Love Deeper” the third sermon in the “Live Like You Were Dying” Series.
Links
- I am hearing reports of some very powerful miracles in the past several months through the ministry of our healing team. It is important that we record what God is doing among us for future generations. If you have received healing or an answered prayer, click here and fill out a Supernatural Miracles Fact Sheet online so we can journal what God is doing among us in these glorious days.
- During yesterday’s message, I used an illustration from the life of Corrie ten Boom. You can click here to learn more about this remarkable woman.
- You can discover more about the history of foot washing in the Christian church through this article at at wikipedia.
- Here is a painfully wonderful opportunity to meditate upon the amazing love of our King and the beauty of His washing our feet. (Parental Warning: Includes graphic scenes from The Passion of the Christ.)
On the Radar
- Next Sunday is our final look at “Beauty of the Bible.” I encourage you to join us at 6 pm as Peter Lopez leads us through another exploration of the treasures in God’s Word. Up this week, Peter demonstrates mathematically how the Bible is true.
- The Freedom Weekend is quickly approaching. Have you signed up? Make plans to join us November 6 – 7 for an amazing weekend of discovering the healing and joy found in Christ Jesus. Space will be limited, so sign up early! For more information, a schedule, and registration information, click here.
You Heard it at EFC
Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang? Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself. You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.
- “See His Love” by Kim Walker
- “How He Loves” by Kim Walker
- “Your Favorite One” by Misty Edwards
- “Nothing is Impossible” by Dwight Huthwait (unavailable online)
Sunday Preview
Next Sunday, October 4, we will explore one the most powerful lines of the song “Live Like You Were Dying” as we discover how we can “give forgiveness we’ve been denying.”
Monday Morning Review 