Tracy Press

The Rev. Scott McFarland asks if you're ready to be a foot washer for Jesus.

To help stay grounded in the core of what Jesus wants me to be, I often review the "foot-washing" story from John 13, in which Jesus demonstrates his love and service by volunteering to wash his disciples’ feet.

Most of our culture sees worship as music and teaching, but Jesus demonstrated worship as an expression of service and then challenged his followers to serve others the same way. He called them to be "foot washers" for God. So, over time, I’ve considered what it means to be on the foot-washing team for Jesus. Here is some of what I’ve learned:

• We do this for Jesus: Foot washers don’t serve because they like dirty feet, they wash feet because Jesus washed ours and asked us to wash others’. When we serve, we are doing it for Jesus as if he is the one who gets clean feet.

• We give our best effort: Foot washers don’t show up late, do a partial job or leave the dirt behind. They are prepared at the door when guests arrive, completely wash the guests’ feet, and clean up all the dirt and water afterward.

• We go the extra mile: Foot washers not only wash feet, but are willing to do whatever it takes to make the guest feel welcome and cared for. After all, they’re doing it for Jesus!

• We put loving others ahead of ourselves: Foot washers are happy to wash feet, because it demonstrates love toward others, just as Jesus demonstrated toward them.

• We take time to rest: Foot washers also take time to rest and regain strength to serve. They are willing to help other foot washers and accept help from others.

• We celebrate our part in God’s victories: Foot washers celebrate when the banquet is a success, because it makes their master very happy. We get to share the master’s success!

• We work together: Foot washing is a team activity. Washers work together to take care of all the guests, make sure the supplies are prepared and finish the job well.

• We replace ourselves: Foot washers realize they won’t be there forever and train others who can replace them to carry on the great work of the master.

• We learn how to serve better: Foot washers are always interested in how to make the process better, being not only more efficient but also more effective for the master.

• We never give up: Foot washers realize there will be some difficult feet to wash, but they never quit the job the master entrusted to them.

Show me a church of people who want to be foot washers in their neighborhood, and I’ll show you a group that can change that community. Lord willing, I want to continue becoming a better foot washer for Jesus.

John 13:34-35 says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Are you courageous enough to pick up the towel as well?

• To contact Scott McFarland at Journey Christian Church, call 833-8470 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . All religious leaders within the Tracy community are invited to write columns for Reflections on Faith.