In Myanmar, feet (no matter how hygienically clean) are considered dirty. They are the lowest of the low and are used for insult. It is considered taboo to touch someone’s feet, and it is highly disrespectful and offensive to point your feet at a person. In addition, it is frowned upon to wash your feet under the same faucet that you may use to wash your hands.
Feet are unclean.
In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet out of love. It was customary then for a slave or servant to wash one’s feet upon entering a household, especially in preparing to partake in a meal. In this chapter, we see that Jesus acts as a servant and humbly takes the place of a slave in order to serve His followers.
On Tuesday, I felt God tell me to wash the feet of the four women who attend our morning English class. Each of these women are active members of the church that we are serving alongside this month. God gave me this word to share with them…
“Jesus is preparing a festival in Myanmar. Revival is here and you each are invited to partake in the feast! You have been made new in Jesus, so now – may we wash your feet in preparation for all that God has for you and this nation?”
They agreed.
As we washed the feet of these beautiful women, we prayed over them and blessed them. This is the character of Jesus – He takes parts of us that society deems ‘unclean’ and lavishes them with perfect love.
Only the Holy Spirit can turn a classroom into a place where missionaries wash the ‘dirty’ feet of Burmese women preparing to take the gospel to their families, to their communities, and to their nation.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7
Below are some pictures of this sweet time that I will never forget.
