Jesus got up from supper, laid aside his garments, and taking a towel, he girded himself.
John 13:4
With what do you gird yourself? A sword, perhaps? A priestly sash? Sackcloth?
In his last hours before the crucifixion, John tells us that Jesus girded himself. He mentions it twice—perhaps hoping that we’ll notice. Jesus got up from supper, laid aside his garments, and taking a towel, he girded himself.
You know the rest of the story. He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
Our actions are likely directed by the items with which we gird ourselves. If we carry swords, we will tend to use them. Priestly sashes will probably keep us separated from our neighbors. Sackcloth will likely keep us in the ash heap. What could happen if we girded ourselves with towels?
Thank you- Yes, accomplishing a task requires preparation, if we dress ahead of time for a task then a good chance we will follow through :).
I know at the beach here in Florida it means we help rub someone’s back to get them dry. But the symbolism you are getting at is profound. I have never thought this act of Jesus of washing feet was meant only as symbolism. Jesus said John 13:15-17 I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you…..v.17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. But we rarely if ever do this! Wash another’s feet.