FEET WASHING
The ordinance of feet washing is not generally as
accepted as the Lords Supper, yet it is equal in importance. Many
say that the feet washing that Jesus did was a symbolic act for us to follow, and
that we wash our brothers feet when we humble our self to do a kind act for
them. Others say that what Jesus did was just part of a custom that the Jews
practice. Let us see why what Jesus did
was not a practice.
Many believe feet washing was
only an oriental custom. Throughout Christ's ministry Jesus had
never before washed His disciples’ feet. Peter's astonishment at
this act of Christ proves it was not a custom. With the exception of
the wealthy, every person washed his own feet.
(Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Judges 19:21; 2
Samuel 11:8). Water was brought and the guests washed their own
feet. If it had been a mere matter of cleanliness, would not Christ
have needed the washing as well as they? He did not wash His
own; and, they did not wash His feet.
Jesus was already in the house and had just finished
supper. If it was a custom that the Jews
practiced before they came in, why was it that the disciples did not know how
to respond when Jesus said in John 13:7 What I do thou knowest not now; but thou
shalt know hereafter.
Any person who cannot humble himself and wash his
brother's feet should not partake of the Lord's Supper. In keeping
with the righteous principles of modesty and discretion, the brothers wash each
other's feet and the sisters wash each other's feet. We do not
believe that God would look favorably upon brothers washing the sisters’ feet,
or vice versa. The following Bible statements are made about
the ordinance of feet washing.
1.
It was instituted by Christ Himself. John 13:1-17
2.
Christ began the observance with his example. Example means model,
pattern or copy. We are to copy His pattern. John 13:1-17
3.
Jesus commanded the practice. John 13:14
4.
Jesus gave the observance a divine religious character. He made it a test of fellowship between him and Peter. There was a penalty attached to the refusal or neglect of feet washing—separation. "If I wash thee not, ye have
no part in me." John 13:8
5.
The ordinance was regularly observed by all Christians. 1 Timothy 5:10 -
a widow; Matthew 28:20 - all saints
6.
There is a spiritual blessing to those who practice it. John 13:17 Who should have their feet
washed and who should wash another's feet? The text in John 13;4-5 shows us by example that Jesus washed the disciples’
feet. Therefore we can conclude that the saint or disciple of Christ
can participate in feet washing. Jesus did not wash a stranger’s
feet. There are specific spiritual reasons for feet washing. (John
13:14,15,7,34)
Jesus
told the disciples that they ought to wash each other’s feet and then said they
would not understand why at the time. In verse 34, Jesus explained that
He had given them a new commandment to love one another. The act of
feet washing expresses a deep love for each other. This is a special
act which not all men can submit. The disciples were to wash one
another's feet and there was to be no "least washing the greatest." In the
Feet washing teaches a real lesson of humility. Many so-called "christians" object to feet washing. Many claim that Jesus was not saying that we "must" do it, but only that we should, or ought, to practice feet washing. (John 13:15-17) These so-called christians say we are no longer under the law of commandments, but rather the law of grace and love. Now, the Old Testament law consisted of "thou shalt," but in the New Testament law of liberty Jesus says, if we love Him we will keep His commandments. (John 14:23). The word ought is one of the strongest words in our language expressing moral obligation or duty. (Luke 18:1 - ought to pray; Acts 5:29 - ought to obey God; Ephesians 5:28 - ought to love wives; 1 John 4:11 - ought to love one another; John 13:14 - ought to wash one another's feet).