Easter Reflections
The Cross, Foot Washing, and a Lesson in Humility
We're still a bit out from Easter- but as I get ready to launch my Easter minis this year, I've taken some time to reflect on Christ's journey to the cross and his days leading up to it.
In the days before Jesus' crucifixion, he was already aware of what was about to happen. And yet still- he does something.
He washes his disciples' feet.
I think most of us would agree that feet aren't always the most attractive. There's something about sweaty, smelly feet that have been inside shoes all day or walking barefoot that can give people the ick. And speaking of shoes... today we have modern socks and sandals. In the first century, the most common footwear for ordinary people in Judea was basic, functional sandals made for hot, dusty conditions.
This left their feet vulnerable to the muck from carts, horses, and donkeys around them as they travelled.
Feet could often be caked in dirt and poo.
It's not the most... appealing... thought.
In fact, that's exactly why feet washing was a common tradition in the Middle East at this time. Travelers would be greeted with a bowl of water which they could use to wash their feet, or a servant would be tasked to do the task for them.
But then- here is Jesus. Gathering with his disciples, knowing one of them was going to betray him, and that for it he would be beaten, and killed while the rest desert him. Even still, he takes a bowl of water, and he washes their feet.
"This left their feet vulnerable to the muck from carts, horses, and donkeys around them as they travelled.
Feet could often be caked in dirt and poo."
This action is more than a symbol. It's an act of humility and service. It flips everything as the master serves his followers. As Jesus washes his disciples' feet, making them clean; so too Jesus’ death washes our hearts and makes us clean from sin.
After the washing, the bible tells us as follows:
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, 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 also should do just as I have done for you. “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)
Foot washing may seem like a simple, even humble act—but it holds a profound lesson. It reminds us that God’s kingdom operates differently than the world. True greatness is not measured by power or recognition, but by the willingness to serve others. Every act of kindness, every moment of humility, reflects Christ’s love in a world that often values self-interest above all else.
The cross, too, reminds us of the depth of His love. Jesus’ sacrifice was not for the celebrated or the perfect—it was for each of us, in our brokenness, doubt, and need. When we meditate on the cross, we are reminded that love is never passive; it is sacrificial, transformative, and always reaches beyond ourselves.
This Easter, let us consider how we can follow Christ’s example in our own lives. Who can we serve quietly, without recognition? How can we practice humility in a world that rewards pride? And most importantly, how can we let the love of Christ guide every action, word, and thought?
As a small way to celebrate this beautiful season, I’ll be setting up a cross and foot-washing scene for my Easter minis this year. It’s a gentle reminder of Christ’s humility and love, and a way to reflect on these truths while creating lasting memories.
