On Maundy Thursday, I decided to walk home from Shinjuku rather than taking the train. We are one stop away so it's about a 20 minute walk. The sidewalks are very crowded with bicycles, store displays and people. I often get frustrated going down the street. As I was weaving the stroller in and out of people, I noticed a homeless man slowly walking down the sidewalk.
I couldn't help but noticed his feet. He was wearing a clean pair of white FILAs, but the backs had been worn out of them as if they were too small. He had plastic bags wrapped around his ankles on both legs. He was also wearing no socks; I could see his calloused feet. It looked like they were covered in scales. As we strolled past I could smell how dirty he was.
I can only wonder what would have happened if this man had walked into the church Thursday night. Would the pastors have washed his feet? Would they hesitate? Would they have refused him? Made an excuse? Done it quickly with little love?
I honestly did not want to wash this man's stinky feet. But I am grateful that we do have a God that would wash this man's feet without any hesitation. A God that would bow down and humble himself and wash with great care and love. And not just wash his feet, but give his life and die on a cross for us, and especially for this man.
