Articles
Are You Afraid of Feet?
Some people actually are afraid of feet. There actually is a phobia associated with feet called podiaphobia. Jesus was not afraid of feet. We are probably all familiar with the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Jesus and the disciples have gathered in the upper room to participate in the Passover Feast. As the evening meal is being served Jesus does something unusual. John described what Jesus does “so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” (John 13:4-5)
Jesus takes on a task that most of us would find very uncomfortable. The disciples would have been wearing sandals and walking on the dusty roads and maybe even following along behind animals. There is no telling how dirty the disciples’ feet were, we just do not know for sure. We do know what motivated Jesus to take this action. In John 13:5 it says, “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” Love is the motivating factor for all of Jesus’ actions. Through his actions Jesus teaches his disciples an important lesson.
“When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17)
Are you afraid of feet? Jesus sets an example for the disciples in His willingness to do a task that no one else seemed willing to do. When we love each other we will want to serve each other. Even the tasks that we would not want to do can become possible, even enjoyable, when we love each other the way we should. ~Brad Tolbert
