I know a man of such
mildness and kindness it is trying to
change my life.
Mary Oliver, Thirst

Jesus washes Peter’s feet, 1876, Ford Madox Brown

Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13: 5,14

Turning the world upside down

The sight of the Word of God, the Son of God, washing his disciples feet, his friends, might render us speechless and our knees compromised. This, we sense, is no empty, self-aggrandizing gesture but one intended to turn the disciples' world upside down. Jesus gently sets about untangling the mess of hierarchy and worthiness issues by a posture. This one gesture speaks volumes for his designs on human relations.

Imagine yourself in the disciple's place; both having your feet washed but seeing Jesus wash your colleagues, family and friends feet too. How does it feel and what thoughts are thrown up by his action?