Last November, Paul Cull was preparing a Bible study for the street kids he is helping in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He wanted to illustrate what Jesus washing the disciples feet really meant. In Brazil street and slum kids often work shining shoes for people (usually business men) on the streets. Paul couldn't find any suitable pictures, but since he is on the Iparana Studio list he thought he would ask me to produce one....which I was glad to do.

The picture here has been developed from the original picture I did for Paul's Bible study. In the background I have portrayed Christ washing his disciples feet, a purple cloth is being used. I had not really intended to use this colour but decided to leave it, afterwards I did some research and found that Purple was once a rare and very expensive colour and denotes royalty...I don't know what colour cloth Jesus would have used...but I since purple is a royal colour I thought it's appropriate to leave this as a symbol - What royalty is really all about in the Kingdom of God.

Paul told me, he asked the kids if they'd ever seen a kid shining shoes? (Of course)

Or if they had ever seen a businessman shining shoes? (Puzzled looks, of course not)

A pastor shining shoes? (Never)

But Paul could show from scripture that there is someone these kids can identify with - The Lord Jesus Christ!

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17

When the street and slum kids heard about how Jesus washed his disciples feet, I am sure they rejoiced at realising who Christ is and that he walked were they walk, He was hated, despised and rejected. He was someone prepared to kneel down in the dust and become a servant, yet he is the King of Kings and died that they might live.

Washing feet and shining shoes have alot in common and it would seem the street and slum kids are closer to the Biblical qualifications for leadership than many, and yet this is what Christ calls us all too - servanthood.

We sing "Shine Jesus Shine".....but how much "Shining" do we actually do for Jesus in the context of serving? Do we display the characteristics written in the scripture? these are questions we all need to ask ourselves and take time to ponder.

I thank the Lord for the work of Paul Cull and his team, showing who Christ really is to the street and slum kids in Brazil, also not forgetting many other similar ministries around the world - they need our help and support. You are welcome to visit Paul's website and learn more about this valuable work http://www.paulcull.org/

Peter

Iparana Studio

July 1st 2003

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