Clean

“Jesus … laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”—John 13:3–5

Dirt provided challenges for people throughout the first century. It created problems for food preparation, health, and human interaction. Wells helped, but they existed largely for drinking.

One solution was to turn to public baths. Some cities had more than twenty baths, but places like Capernaum had no baths. Because of its proximity to the Sea of Galilee, they depended on that source for cleanliness.

Wearing sandals and walking on dirt, people often needed their feet washed when they entered a dwelling. We can be sure the feet of Jesus and His disciples were dirty the night they gathered to celebrate the Passover. But it shocked the disciples when Jesus took the initiative and washed their feet.

He did this to set an example. If Jesus, who was their Lord, washed their feet, they also should wash one another’s feet. He was teaching them the importance of being a servant. Jesus also was giving them a visual image of the importance of being clean—not just clean on the outside, but also the inside.

There have been advances in sanitation in the past centuries, but outward cleanliness has not changed the needs of the human heart. All around us, we see words and images that can pollute our souls. Just as in the first century, we need to be cleansed, washed through repentance, and purified from sin. We’re to be humble and ready to serve.
Reflection Question: Write a prayer of confession asking God for forgiveness.