John 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Have you ever walked barefoot in a pig-pen? It is rather messy and smelly and should you try it you will wonder if your feet will ever lose the smell. I speak from experience.

In Jesus’ day, people wore sandals and the streets were nothing but dust. Then there were the occasional droppings from donkeys, dogs and other animals in the streets and roads. Washing one’s feet was more than a once a day affair. Slaves in the wealthier homes washed the feet of everyone who entered the home.

Chapter 13 of the Gospel of John contains the account of Jesus washing the disciples feet. Peter protested and said, "You’ll not wash my feet!" But he got his feet washed by Jesus anyway. The modern term is the exercise was a "teaching moment". Jesus was the teacher and the disciples the students. He was trying to get them to understand that in the Kingdom of God all are equal and they should treat each other and all other people as equals. And to take the "teaching moment" a step further He tells them no servant is greater than his master and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him. In other words, we all have one greater than ourselves, God the Father. No matter how important we may become God is still over all.

Jesus set the example. He washed their feet. He was willing to do the lowest menial task that they should understand that as His servants there is no task they should not be willing to undertake for His kingdom.

Let us not be quick to say no to what God sets before us to do. Remember we are called to go into all the world to teach, baptize and make disciples. Whatever it takes to accomplish the Great Commission we say "Yes Lord! Yes!".