Mary sat by Jesus' feet, anointed them with oil, gently gathered her hair now resting down the small of her back, and wiped the remnant. Thereafter, the bible states, “And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil" (John 12:3). As I envision this scripture, I start to sketch the facial structure of Mary, as tears of gratitude roll down the contours of her pale cheeks. I pretend to know her life story, a desperate heart that led her to the Lord. But, more importantly, I attempt to understand what compelled her to open that flask of spikenard, a very costly oil, and pour it on her Master’s feet. I want to breathe in the sweet fragrance of servitude that dripped from the mouth of that bottle, permeating the room where she laid graciously before Him. This scripture serves as a precursor to one of the most monumental displays of humility that takes place in scripture—the night that Jesus cleanses the feet of His disciples before the Feast of Passover.
Scripture reveals in John 13:5-7, “He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.’” Simon Peter is hesitant at first and perhaps embarrassed to allow His Lord to take on this subservient role. But, Jesus makes it known, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). We see here that the cleansing of feet is a significant process through which we are made clean through Christ. We must allow Him to prepare in us a clean heart as we enter into the body of Christ.
Later, when Jesus finished washing the disciples' feet, He stated, "’You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you’" (John 13:13-15). What is Jesus teaching us here? I think it is evident that he is reinforcing the simple truth that we are to serve one another humbly, without regard to social status or position of authority. In this example, we witness the greatest authority to ever walk this earth humble Himself at the feet of His disciples. We should be more than capable of humbling ourselves at the feet of fellow man.
Another invaluable lesson that is revealed through this passage is that we are to follow His lead. The feet are the vessel of which we navigate through life. John 13:10 states, "'...He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...'". When we walk with God, He continuously cleanses us from the defilement we contract along the way. Jesus washed away our sins through baptism, and we now have the choice to sanctify ourselves through repentance. Needless to say, we are all a work-in-progress. However, God ministers to our pain and shame and He uses them just the same. There will come a time when God tells us to go and minister to others. Our testimony is just an open door through which we can share the good news. Scripture states in Romans 15:15, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Jesus knew that He would soon no longer be with His disciples in the flesh, therefore the cleansing of their feet was symbolic for the preparation taking place in them before they would witness to others after His resurrection. In the same way, God cleanses our feet as He prepares us to preach in our spheres of influence. Yes, we will still walk through the muck and mire just the same as everyone else, but the difference is this: We have a God who loves us and is concerned with our “hygiene”. In all seriousness though, our sanctification is God’s ultimate will for our lives.
Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 91:12 states, “In their [angels’] hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Here we are reminded that our feet are the source of a fall. Therefore, we should remain careful of our steps. If we are in God’s word, He shall illuminate our path. If we remain in God’s will, our feet shall be cleansed by His living water.
How beautiful are the feet of those who profess and proclaim the name of Jesus! How beautiful are the feet of those who serve at the feet of others! How beautiful are the feet of those who humble themselves before the Lord, following His footprints, fragrant with Mary's oil.
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