In the sixth panel we recognize feet that are being washed. In Jesus’ day, foot washing was a basic necessity: after a long day of walking on dusty dirt roads, in bare feet or perhaps wearing sandals, people certainly needed to have their feet washed! As well, washing the feet of a guest who visited one’s home was a sign of hospitality. However, in practice the actual act of washing feet was always performed by slaves or women, not by the ruler of the house himself. How radical, therefore, was Jesus’ act of washing the the feet of his disciples! In doing this, Jesus showed that His love is humble and practical–and He said that we are to follow His example (John 13). In word and deed, Jesus taught us that the way to follow Him is by living in humble, practical service.
Written by Tim & Alannah Hegedus, April 1996