Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)

A visiting missionary asked to use my little brother for an illustration. She put dirt on his clothes, food on his face, and a mixture of both in his hair. She asked to include me, too. Six years Craig’s senior, I was horrified. Craig was four and oblivious of embarrassment, but at ten—not me! Thankfully, my mother bowed out on my behalf.

The other disciples let Jesus wash their feet, but Peter was embarrassed that the Son of God wanted to wash his feet. He saw the towel tucked in his waist. He saw the basin of water and Peter thought it was beneath the dignity of Jesus to touch his feet. He wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion. “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus’ reply stopped his protest with the words, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Peter was rash and impetuous at times, but one thing he wanted was Jesus. “Then give me a bath, Lord,” was his response. If washing his feet meant being a part of Jesus, he’d let him wash his entire body. “You can have all of me.”

This should be our response, too. With Frances Havergal we can sing, “Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee.” I am yours, Lord. Bathe me in your Spirit so I can be used of you.

Offer yourself to the one who cleansed your heart.

Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, R. B., is an associate professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.