It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 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.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
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. I tell you the truth, 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 13:1-17
Early this morning Shirley Churchill once again spent almost three hours with Irene working with her on physiology techniques designed to foster kidney and body function. Shirley’s heart is evident after serving Irene almost on a weekly basis for just about a year. It’s an amazing expression of love …. especially because she and Ken travel the one hour drive to our home each week from Menlo Park!!
This evening Irene and I had the distinct pleasure of dinner with Dr. Buford and Victoria McCharen at Palapas Restaurant in Seascape. Buford and Victoria own a chiropractic practice, Aptos Core Care, and Dr. McCharen is my chiropractor. When he learned of Irene’s plight several months ago, he immediately recommended a course of action. Irene is now literally being treated by Dr. McCharen with “foot baths” every Tuesday and Thursday which are designed to remove toxins from her body. The foot baths are a great complement to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday dialysis treatments.
Not only is this act of love by the McCharen’s an expression of deep regard for the journey that Irene is traveling, but Victoria graciously visits with Irene each time she comes to the office. A wonderful, growing friendship is being forged and both of our hearts are deeply moved by the way that Buford and Victoria are reaching out and loving Irene. Irene is emotionally moved each time she has the foot bath because of the way that either Victoria or Buford tenderly and lovingly wipe her feet dry. It’s an overwhelming demonstration of love.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
We’re grateful for Jesus washing his disciple’s feet and modeling to us how to love one another. We’re also grateful that Buford and Victoria manifest Jesus’ teaching in the way that they love Irene. They are modeling love in a very tangible and meaningful way.
Caminando con Fé
Dave
