John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
In the Bible, feet hold symbolic significance related to humility, service, spiritual cleansing, the journey of faith, and the proclamation of the gospel. They can also represent dominion, authority, and anointing. Removing shoes, as Moses did before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), often symbolizes being on holy ground and a reverence for God's presence. Feet symbolize the path a believer walks in faith, emphasizing the need to be mindful of their steps and direction (Proverbs 4:26). Feet can represent strength, stability, and firm standing in faith (Habakkuk 3:19). Metaphorically, enemies can be depicted as being "under feet" (Psalm 110:1), signifying God's authority and control. The Bible associates feet with having a servant's heart, mirroring Jesus's willingness to serve others (Matthew 20:28). Throughout the bible feet are a strong metaphor for a deep grounding in many spiritual practices.
One of the last acts of service Jesus conducted with His disciples was to show by example what it means to be His servant, His friend, His disciple. Wherever we go, to whom ever we meet, to whom ever we pass, or passes by us, we leave footprints of who we are. These footprints can be invisible. If we are seen by others, we have left them with an example an impression of who we are and what we are like. We may never know what that impression or example is, but it will be a footprint of who we are.
What footprints would you like to be leaving wherever you go, to whom ever you meet?
Disciples of Jesus are to imitate Him in every breath, thought and deed, so that Jesus can be known.
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
I admit, I can find myself, in my opinion, not feeling like I am being a good example of imitating Jesus at times. Sometimes I am unsure of how Jesus would respond to some situations I find myself in. What do I do then? I pray. I remind myself of the scriptures. I will often seek wise spiritual and theological counselling among other brothers and sisters who walk the faith I do. I listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I do my best to discern the way to go. I examine myself in anticipation I will get better at exampling King Jesus. I allow myself to be disciplined by Him and where necessary through those I have made myself accountable to.
When we get it right, the aroma of Christ is tangible for us and others. The importance is authenticity in our exampling, even if we feel we get it wrong at times, admitting it, facing it, and walking on, helps us grow as whole-life missional discipleship-makers (1 Peter 2:21). Our calling is to imitate, be an example of Jesus.
Prayer: King Jesus, be the lamp for my pathway way so I can leave footprints of You wherever I go