281. The Footwashing
Remember the time when Jesus insisted on washing the feet of the disciples? A woman who was speaking at a conference asked me to write a song to go with this story of the footwashing. I believe it’s not about everyone being willing to wash the other person’s feet. I think it is about knowing the truth in a new way, doing for others so they know of your great love for them, and seeing the need and doing what needs to be done.
—
The Footwashing
—
Jesus stood
and took the towel
and washed the feet
of those who followed him
and heard the word,
Time was short,
and Jesus knew
that they must see
and feel the truth
in some new way.
“I will bend and wash the dust,
I will wash your feet.”
—
Peter cried,
“My Lord, you must not
wash my feet,
and Jesus said,
“You do not understand,
Time is short,
and you must do for others
what I’ve done for you
in some new way.
You can bend and wash the dust,
Go and wash their feet.”
—
Master – slave –
the least of these –
who shall be first –
Christ answered clearly
when he said to us,
“Time is short
and it is good
when you can see the need
and act in some new way.
Go and bend and wash the dust,
Go and wash their feet.”
—
© Copyright 1981 Ann Freeman Price
