Footwashing: ancient past or present practice?
"Therefore, though I might be
very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I
rather appeal to you." (Philemon 1:8,9)
Of all the teachings of our Lord Jesus this has to be, by far,
the most neglected teaching in Christianity. What in the world is this? Should we do this?
How do we do this? Is it a teaching or a sign?
"Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that
his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved
his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the
devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him; Jesus
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from
God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a
towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the
disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he
to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and
said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith
unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast
no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands
and [my] head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet,
but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him;
therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken
his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am. If I then, [your] Lord and
Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given
you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that
sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:1-17)
The above text is the single most used text on this subject to
prove or disprove it. Let me remind you the reader that the text is
there—it's in the scriptures. Which means as Christians desiring to be true
to God and His word we must deal with this passage. What is it about Christian people that
makes them think they can disobey, or wish away passages of Scripture? It behooves us to
deal with all the commands and passages of Scripture even if it's difficult to understand.
I would say, and at the risk of many disagreeing, it's better to take the safe road and
obey than to disobey. The first instance of the foot washing we find in the Bible is in
Genesis 18:4.
"Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash
your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree."
This is such a beautiful setting. Abraham is greeting guests,
and in so doing showing great hospitality. The words in this passage are simple literal
water, washing, and feet.
As Christians we should know the Bible says.
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him
that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good,
that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)
"Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth
good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows:
for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off." (Nehum
1:15)
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it
is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)
"My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman
hath anointed my feet with ointment." (Luke 7:46)
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)
So the feet, symbolically according to the Scriptures, have the
importance of carrying the gospel to the world. There are other aspects we need to look
at.
Hospitality from a host
Genesis 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Judges 19:21; 2 Samuel 11:8; Luke
7:38,44; 1 Timothy 5:10.
Humility
Exodus 3:5; 30:19,21; Joshua 10:24; Judges 19:21; 1 Samuel
25:41; Psalm 8:6; Song of Solomon 5:3; Luke 7:38,44; John 11:2; 12:3; 1 Timothy 5:10.
Servant hood
Exodus 24:10; 30:19,21; 1 Samuel 25:41; Psalm 8:6; Song of
Solomon 5:3; Isaiah 52:7; Luke 7:38,44; John 11:2; 12:3; 1 Timothy 5:10.
God will watch our manner of life
1 Samuel 2:9; 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalm 18:33,36; 25:15; Habakkuk
3:19; Luke 1:79.
God's power
Psalm 18:19; 58:10; Isaiah 37:25; Hebrews 2:8.
As a witness against others
Matthew 10:14; Luke 9:5.
There are three things that are found in the act of foot
washing.
Humility – (doing it without
considering yourself)
Servitude – (show care for
others)
Obedience – (Jesus said to do it)
Here is a quote to help explain the history.
"In New Testament times, foot washing was a common duty for
low-ranking servants. When travelers would visit an affluent home, it was the custom for
the host to have their guests feet washed. It was considered a degrading task for any
servant, and would be especially humbling and disgusting for the cleanliness-minded Jew to
remove the sandals and wash filthy, road-stenched feet. Jesus showed that the only way to
follow Him, and the only path to spiritual greatness, is to humble ourselves before our
brethren with the heart of a loving servant." (http://www.victorious.org/chur55.htm)
Let's look at the text one more time a little closer.
"Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that
his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved
his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the
devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him; Jesus
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from
God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a
towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the
disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he
to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and
said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith
unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast
no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands
and [my] head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet,
but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him;
therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken
his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am. If I then, [your] Lord and
Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given
you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that
sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:1-17)
First, we notice that it was Passover. It was Jesus' last
Passover before He is to secure salvation for His elect. Also notice the act of
washing comes much later after they had eaten, "…and supper
being ended." We understand that this was not the usual hospitality shown to
guests upon entering a house, but after the supper or the meal. In Jesus' day people
walked miles on hot dusty roads in sandals. A foot bath was an act of hospitality much
like our custom of serving a guest coffee,tea, or a cold drink. Footwashing was commonly
done in the home not the temple.
As an act of supreme humility He washes all of their feet, "after
that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe
[them] with the towel wherewith he was girded." This is an example of Jesus
standing up from the throne of heaven, coming down to earth, and washing our sins away
wiping them with His righteousness.
At this point "…cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter
saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" This is the typical response to an
act we can not understand and feel uncomfortable with. Are we saying this to the Lord
Jesus today? Are we, because of those that would tell us it's not for today, refusing our
Lord's command? How about you are you? Does Jesus not come to us to "wash" us?
Yes, He does.
Jesus answers, "what I do thou knowest not now; but thou
shalt know hereafter." The words "knowest and know" mean perceive or
understand. Jesus is telling Peter that he (Peter) does not understand what Jesus is doing
but he (Peter) will later. Do you understand? Or will it be later for you?
"Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet."
Strong words to speak to our Lord. It's understandable the reaction he has. After all
this is God in human flesh our savior bowing down to wash His creations' feet! This is the
mindset of many today over this neglected command. Do not turn away from our Lord's
command.
"Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part
with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my]
head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is
clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him;
therefore said he, Ye are not all clean." Jesus is saying that if Peter did not
allow Him to wash his feet Peter would have no part or share with Jesus. Our Lord explains
that those that are "clean" have been saved by Him and are already
clean—saved.
"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his
garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye
call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am. If I then, [your] Lord and
Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." It's
true Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and told them to wash one another's feet.
Right? Did you just read that? Look, either we do it or we don't. What will you do? Jesus
says, in effect to them, do you understand what I just did? Jesus classifies Himself as
the supreme Master and Lord of all. In so doing showing the Highest Himself humbles
Himself in this act to serve and save others. If we understand who did it and why we
should not have a problem to, "…also ought to wash one another's feet."
The words "one another's" is in the genitive case
which means description. It's in the plural meaning more than one. Does Jesus mean the
disciples are to only wash one another's feet? That is, just them the eleven no one
else? We will see.
"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I
have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his
lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things,
happy are ye if ye do them." The word "example" hupodeigma means
an exhibit, imitation, or pattern. This is a compound word from hupo = under and deigma
= to show. Literally, to place under to show. This is no doubt an example for imitation,
or more simply, something to do and practice. Jesus actually gives two commands here.
If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye
also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have
done to you.
And He gives one exhortation.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Is this not clear? Do you not see this? Jesus says He has, …washed
your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. This is so clear Jesus says to do
it! Who do you believe a pastor, minister, theologian, or God the Lord Jesus? Jesus also
says, for I have given you an example. This is truly an example, pattern, or
something to be imitated. To clarify more so they, and we as well, don’t
misunderstand Jesus says, that ye should do as I have done to you. Again, no doubt
as to what He wants us to do.
Lastly, we are blessed, …If ye know these things, happy
are ye if ye do them. The word do also means perform. This is a very clear
directive from our Lord Jesus. What are we afraid of? Now many will say your wrong we're
not to do this, this is not for us, or this is not for today. They will use the excuse
that this is not a command or ordnance. A command from Jesus does not have to be a
sacrament in order to be obeyed. Neither does a sacrament have to be a command to be
obeyed. We obey because we are commanded to not when it's convenient. How could one look
at this text and honestly say we don't need to keep this command? The spirit of the
Scriptures, our Lord himself, and the continuance of the apostles speaks volumes that this
is to be practiced.
Common objections
"The foot-washing was an example, a pattern. Many groups
throughout church history have practiced literal foot-washing as a church ordinance.
However, present culture in many lands does not call for the need to wash dust from the
feet of one's guests. Whereas the Lord's Supper was practiced by the early church, it
apparently did not practice foot-washing as an ordinance in church gatherings. This
passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite."
(http://www.gotquestions.org/foot-washing.html, second paragraph)
"Among our congregations, some practice foot washing, while
others have discontinued the practice or have never observed it."
(http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/about/cof/art.13.htm)
"Among groups that do not observe feet washing as an
ordinance or rite, the example of Jesus is usually held to be symbolic and didatic."
(http://www.fact-index.com/f/fe/feet_washing.html)
"Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet has
been called "the sacrament that almost made it." It contains both the earthly
element and the divine command which constitute a sacrament. Yet except for Catholics on
Maundy Thursday and a few sects, not many Christians wash feet. Perhaps Jesus made his
point about doing menial service all too clear."
(http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1675)
"Jesus is not instituting foot-washing as a ritual for the
church to observe. Unlike baptism and communion, both of which were already Jewish
rituals, foot-washing was never a Jewish ritual. Furthermore, Acts never narrates the
early church observing such a ritual, while it does so many times with baptism and
communion. Rather, to emulate Jesus' foot-washing is to embrace a lifestyle of serving
love toward others."
(http://www.xenos.org/teachings/topical/upperroom/gary/urd13-1.htm)
"Concerning the ordinance of foot washing, neither Christ
nor the Apostles commanded that it should be done as a ritual in the assembly of
believers. Washing feet should be a practical service rendered in the daily lives of the
saints. The requirement by Jesus (not an "ordinance") for Christians to wash one
another's feet is just as needful today, as a demonstration of true humility, as it was
during His earthly ministry. But this must be considered within the context of the culture
within which one lives." (http://www.bethelministries.com/FOOTWASHING.htm)
The Early Church
The rite of feet washing appears to have been practiced in the
early centuries of Christianity, though the evidence is scant. For example, Tertullian
(145-220) mentions the practice in his De Corona, but gives no details as to who practiced
it or how it was practiced. It was practiced by the church at Milan (ca. A.D. 380), is
mentioned by the Council of Elvira (A.D. 300), and is even referenced by Augustine (ca.
A.D. 400).
"St. Benedict's Rule (A.D. 529) for the Benedictine Order
prescribed hospitality feetwashing in addition to a communal feetwashing for
humility."
"For He who washed the feet of the disciples sanctified the
entire body, and rendered it clean." (Irenaeus, A.D. 180)
"'If she has washed the feet of the saints'—that is,
if she has performed without shame the lowest offices for the saints" (Clement of
Alexandria, A.D. 195)
"What unbelieving husband will permit his wife to offer
water for the saints' feet?" (Tertullian, A.D. 205)
Conclusion
Is foot washing for us today? Yes. We are NOT saying foot
washing is a sacrament, nor are we saying it is essential for salvation. It has nothing to
do with salvation. It will be a practice observed BECAUSE we are saved by His grace. We
can practice it when we can. It could be done while at the Lord's table after supper.
Today, we have shoes and showers and soap. It makes no sense to remove shoes from already
clean feet and let someone wash them, but our Lord says do it.
I don't know why we are to do it, but
Jesus says to, so we do. How in today's world? When in the home of the brothers and
sisters after the meal you be the one to stand up and say, "as an act of obedience to
the Lord's command I will wash your feet." It does not have to be a nail scrubber
just wash em! :)
Excellent Links
http://www.kencollins.com/how-06.htm
http://www.heraldmag.org/98ma_3.htm
http://www.streetlevel.ca/bibleStudies/footwashing1.htm
http://www.panthercreekchurch.org/foot_washing.htm
Amen?
Questions or Comments? E-mail
Us
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