This past month our team had an opportunity to do one of my favorite things I’ve done yet on the Race. We served the children in our village by washing their hair and teaching them proper hair hygiene.
There was a table, two small pitchers, and several large bowls. Some bowls contained the water and others caught the dirty water as we washed. Small individual packets of shampoo were purchased by our contact. Our hair washing station was ready to go!
The children would climb on the table and lay flat on their backs, with their heads on the edge of the table. They seemed so vulnerable as they lay on the table, exposed. Most covered their eyes and ears in attempt to prevent soap and water from entering. I tried to be extra cautious as I rinsed the shampoo out of their hair.
Children giggled and squirmed in delight as my fingernails scrubbed the dirt out of their hair. Soapsuds formed on their jet-black hair, and a sweet scent filled the air.
I wonder if the disciples also felt exposed as their Rabbi washed their feet. Here, the Son of God, took on human flesh and was serving them by washing their dirty feet. Peter refused Jesus at first. Then he quickly went to the opposite extreme, and asked for his whole body to be washed. I wonder what the disciples mannerisms were as Jesus washed. Did they avoid eye contact? Did they attempt to wipe some dirt off before Jesus got to them? Did they say, “thank you?” Were they ashamed? Were they shocked? Did they giggle as the Rabbi tickled their feet?
I found something interesting in this passage. At first, Jesus says the disciples call Him, “Teacher and Lord.” Then, He calls Himself, “Lord and Teacher.” Notice the reversal of the titles here. The disciples saw Jesus first as their teacher. Jesus wanted them to see Him first as Lord over their life. If they recognized Him as Lord over every aspect of their life, then they would recognize the depth of the lesson He had just taught them.
Just as the disciples and sweet children of Cambodia felt exposed, so do I. When I am before the Perfect and Holy King of Kings, I realize that I am naked before Him. He knows all my thoughts. He knows the deepest crevices of my heart. He knows the pride I attempt to hide from others. Sometimes I try to “clean myself up” before coming to Him. Or I, like Peter, try to refuse His cleansing wash. I want to wash myself.
I hear the Father whispering, “Christina, do you realize what I have done to you?
I have washed your heart clean. I have made you white as snow. I have made you a new creature.”
Thank You, Abba! Help me to love and serve others and follow the example You have set for me!
