Would Jesus Wash Osama Bin Laden's Feet?

Due to a recent unfolding of events in malls in Seattle, it has become necessary to ask and to find out if Jesus really would wash Osama bin Laden's feet. There is a Christian ministry named Heavenly Sanctuary, who puts on conferences around the country that speak on the topic of "The Character of God." This group commissioned an artist named Lars Justinen from the Justinen Creative Group to paint a picture depicting Jesus washing the feet of many world figures, including George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Osama bin Laden (see picture to the left). To advertise for their conference, they advertised in many malls in the Seattle area using this picture. Almost immediately, people began calling the mall to complain about the picture. Most of the calls were from Christians who were offended by the portrayal of Jesus washing Osama bin Laden's feet. Breaking the contract they had to keep the advertising up, every mall took down the advertising. Even the Christian college who was hosting the conference was no longer willing to hold this conference.

What does this say about American Christians? Is our patriotism blinding what Jesus has commanded us to do? The outraged callers and probably many others would argue that Jesus wouldn't REALLY wash bin Laden's feet. Osama bin Laden hates Christians and he hates Americans, why should we do anything for him? Why should Jesus wash bin Laden's feet? My answer is "Yes, we need to wash bin Laden's feet, and yes, Jesus would too."

The story of washing others' feet is found in John 13:1-15. On the night before he was to be crucified, he got down on his knees, and washed his disciple's feet. Peter, one of his disciples, was shocked that Jesus was doing such a thing. He didn't believe that he deserved to have Jesus wash his feet. Jerold Aust, a writer, breaks it down: "Only later would they comprehend the spiritual significance of this act of humility and the symbols Jesus instituted during that evening's Passover service."