John 13:5, Washing Our Feet
After that [Jesus] poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
//In The Year of the Lord’s Favor, author Tom Arthur speculates that by the time John’s Gospel was written, the feast of the Lord’s Supper had already become a stale ritual, its wine probably served in sterile little glasses like many churches do today. If anyone did arrive hungry and needy, he was treated to a mere nibble. So, in John’s account, the Eucharist is replaced with a much more personal activity: washing another’s feet. Is John recommending a new ritual?
We know, of course, that John’s ritual could not work today. The meaningful event would merely be moved up in time, completed within the privacy of our own homes, as we each spend twenty minutes vigorously scrubbing our feet, then painstakingly trimming and painting our toenails before selecting the finest pair of shoes in our closet. Then we drive off to church—no dusty road in our journey! All trace of humanness and need would be rinsed away before the church washing had a chance.
So what are we to do? How can we possibly restore the original flavor of Jesus’ act of foot-washing, and should it be a part of our gathering together?
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
|
|
| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)
A Top-100 Christian Blog
Named an Exceptional Website for Christian Theologians
Our Top Book Picks
Selected by The Dubious Disciple as Best Religion Books. Don't miss these!
Subscribers:
Twitter Followers
Facebook Fans
16806 Blog Members
354 Circles
603 Goodreads Friends & Fans
The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
Contact me here.
About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
Connect With Me!