Out of the Ordinary
Washing feet may not be a common practice in today's Indonesia. Our feet are well protected and may not be too dirty after traveling from various places. Moreover, with modern modes of transportation, it seems that our feet "touch" the ground less and less. However, the conditions were different in the past, especially when Jesus lived. At that time, modes of transportation were very limited, people had to walk to reach their destinations, plus the road conditions were not good enough (only dirt and rocks). So it was mandatory for everyone at that time to wash their feet before entering the house. In simple households, everyone washed their own feet. However, in well-off households, the task of washing feet was assigned to the servants who served in the house.
In the current text, we see an out of the ordinary action. At that time, Jesus and His disciples were eating together before the Easter holiday began. The Gospel of John describes Jesus' emotional side as the reason for the meeting that night. He knew that the end of His mission in the world would soon come. Soon Jesus will physically part with His disciples, and the Holy Spirit will be with them until the end of time. In this farewell atmosphere, Jesus once again showed His great love for the disciples. He took off His robe, took a linen cloth, tied it around His waist, then poured water into a vessel, and began to wash the feet of His disciples.
Yes, we didn't read it wrong. Jesus, who was seen as a Rabbi, even the Savior, was willing to wash the feet of His disciples. A task that should be carried out by a servant. So we can really understand Peter's protest. But Jesus tried to explain His actions. The washing is a sign of God's love that has been revealed in Christ, embracing those who sin to echo the initiative of God who first announced His gift of forgiveness.
Washing feet may not be a common practice in today's Indonesia. Our feet are well protected and may not be too dirty after traveling from various places. Moreover, with modern modes of transportation, it seems that our feet "touch" the ground less and less. However, the conditions were different in the past, especially when Jesus lived. At that time, modes of transportation were very limited, people had to walk to reach their destinations, plus the road conditions were not good enough (only dirt and rocks). So it was mandatory for everyone at that time to wash their feet before entering the house. In simple households, everyone washed their own feet. However, in well-off households, the task of washing feet was assigned to the servants who served in the house.
In the current text, we see an out of the ordinary action. At that time, Jesus and His disciples were eating together before the Easter holiday began. The Gospel of John describes Jesus' emotional side as the reason for the meeting that night. He knew that the end of His mission in the world would soon come. Soon Jesus will physically part with His disciples, and the Holy Spirit will be with them until the end of time. In this farewell atmosphere, Jesus once again showed His great love for the disciples. He took off His robe, took a linen cloth, tied it around His waist, then poured water into a vessel, and began to wash the feet of His disciples.
Yes, we didn't read it wrong. Jesus, who was seen as a Rabbi, even the Savior, was willing to wash the feet of His disciples. A task that should be carried out by a servant. So we can really understand Peter's protest. But Jesus tried to explain His actions. The washing is a sign of God's love that has been revealed in Christ, embracing those who sin to echo the initiative of God who first announced His gift of forgiveness.
That You May Wash One Another
The washing of Jesus' feet also has pedagogical meaning. Jesus wanted to set an example so that later when He was no longer with the disciples. They would no longer demand to be washed first and ask to be served. But rather wash and serve each other. As the Teacher, He was willing to humble Himself and choose to serve rather than be served. Through these daily actions, Jesus gave birth to many meanings and teachings to the disciples throughout the ages.
This example is also important as an effort to keep Christ's disciples united. So that when Jesus left, they would no longer fight over power and who would be the leader of the movement, but would remain focused on His teachings and set an example for the world around them. The values passed on by Jesus were counter-values in the face of a world that was being controlled by the Roman Empire which prioritized power and position above all else. Even such power was legitimate if achieved in various ways that were contrary to moral values. Those at the peak of power deserved to be served, while those at the bottom were the footstools of the rulers who were considered normal to be exploited and oppressed.
Thus, the act of washing contains differentiating values that show resistance to the corrupt values that have long been normalized. The successors of Christ are new generations who carry love and serve each other, compared to the desire to ask to be served and always seek a place to rule. The ancient desire for power will ultimately destroy the world. Jesus offers a new way to treat others, namely by washing each other. This act is a reciprocal act that requires the activeness of two equal subjects within a framework of humility to serve each other. Who has the right to be washed? Everyone, even in our story Judas who had received the whisper of the Devil to betray his teacher, also received the washing of Jesus.
Truly Becoming a "Servant"
On this Holy Thursday moment, we are invited to remember Jesus' last messages before His departure. Even when facing His death, He still thought about and prioritized His disciples. Washing the disciples' feet to show an example of humility and giving oneself to others. He remained faithful as the Servant who emptied Himself and chose to serve first rather than be served. Through the moment of Maundy Thursday, we are reminded to live out God's calling in the sacrifices and services we do to others. GOD's people who live out God's gift by serving one another are actually offering an alternative perspective to a world dominated by ambition and oppression of those who are weaker.
Reflective question
Why do we often find it so difficult to put and serve others before ourselves?
