week 11: whole soul / sole

Hey everyone! In class we've been studying the last week of Christ's life, and we talked about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, which is such a beautiful story about the love of our Savior and his ability to forgive and cleanse us.

Some historical context: feet in first-century Jerusalem would have been super, super gross, to say the least. They walk around on dusty roads in sandals all day, and they definitely don't shower daily. I don't know about you, but I'm already a little weird about people touching my feet, which are, by world history standards, extraordinarily clean. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable I would have been back then. This makes Peter's initial reaction to Jesus coming to clean his feet in John 13 a little more understandable:

5 After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Peter, upon hearing that statement from Jesus, then says something to the effect of, "Well, in that case, don't just wash my feet, wash my hands and my head, too!" Jesus tells him that's unnecessary (but I can imagine him smiling and appreciating Peter's dedication). He then proceeds to wash each of the twelve disciples' feet, probably leaving them humbled, grateful, and maybe a little puzzled.

I think one thing that the Savior is trying to teach them and us is that we must give Him our whole souls (or soles ;) if we want to "have part" with Him--which includes letting Him see the dirtiest, darkest, most shameful parts of ourselves. Otherwise, He can't cleanse us. He can only forgive us and heal us and give us peace if we let Him.

He loves me, and He loves you. If we give our whole selves to Him, I know that He will give us peace :)

If you want to learn more, lds.org is the official website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For more about Jesus Christ, go here. To read the full chapter of  John 13, go here. Thank you so much for visiting!

All insights (including the feet pun) inspired by / taken from Prof Griffin's 03/22/18 lecture, REL A 250, Brigham Young University
Artwork: "Greatest in the Kingdom" by J. Kirk Richards