I read recently about a preacher who travels on foot across the United States and other countries carrying a large wooden cross and a large bowl from which he washes the feet of those he meets. His reenactment of Jesus’ act of loving service garners attention and a venue to share the gospel, but did Jesus bind foot washing on all Christians?

It looks like He did if you read only John 13:14-15, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” Open and shut, right?

Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Catholics observe foot washing in a service on “Maundy Thursday.” Some Adventists, Baptists, and Pentecostals practice foot washing more regularly.

We are so accustomed to washing our own feet that it strikes us to read about the Son of God washing the disciple’s feet. Think about it. How dirty do your feet get anyway? Many people work all day at places where they don’t even get their shoes dirty. We walk on clean carpet, tile floors, and sidewalks.

Jesus did not initiate a new worship practice. Foot washing was the normal private demonstration of hospitality in Palestine (Genesis 18:4; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44; 1 Timothy 5:10). In fact, we never find this activity commanded or practiced in any New Testament congregation. Instead, Jesus taught the Twelve in this act, and, by extension, all disciples the importance of unselfishness, kindness, humility, serving, and submission.

Notice what Jesus says when He washes the disciples’ feet in John 13:7, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” If Jesus intends to bind foot washing, He would not have uttered these words; that would have been nonsense! They certainly knew Jesus was washing their feet, but He told them you do not know now what I am doing. Jesus was teaching a bigger, broader lesson that would involve much more than filthy feet.

 

Article by: Brett Hickey