The Foot-Washing pauses the reading from John 13 at the point where Jesus was going around with towel and basin to wash the disciples' feet. The gospel record goes on to give three responses by Peter - "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?", "No, you shall never wash my feet!" and "Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" What thoughts were going on in Peter's mind as Jesus was getting closer and closer to him? That is what this monologue seeks to recreate
| Reader: | John 13.1-5. | PETER: | I feel all uncomfortable, awkward. Someone should have
done this. Bartholomew or Thomas generally aren't too busy - not
very prominent disciples - good job for them to do.
Now Jesus is doing it and we all feel embarrassed! I mean - whoever heard of a Rabbi doing this for his disciples, of a leader doing this for his followers? I suppose we had resolved the problem by doing nothing - accepting our dusty feet as a way out - no need to give anyone the job then - no awkwardness or friction because someone was doing something beneath his dignity! But now we all feel awkward - Jesus is doing it! Oh dear! He's nearly up to me! I don't feel right about it. I think I'll get him to pass me by. I do have some dignity left. Never let it be said that this happened without a protest from someone! |
Reader: | John 13.6-17.
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