Feet Washing

Background Scripture: John 13
Lesson Scripture: John 13:3-17

Introduction

We frequently have the privilege of interacting and working with different people. While doing so, we receive many blessings, but as humans, we can also cause additional pain to others. Contaminants on the highway of life are unavoidable just as heat, dust, and grime are part of a natural road. On this journey a cleansing is essential for a successful, healthy walk of life.

Christian fellow travelers will realize the need for a timely refreshing and spiritual washing. As we walk together through a time of revival, it will instill a special appreciation for our brotherhood and the washing of each other’s spiritual feet. It helps us to again recognize how our Lord taught his apostles the value of humbly serving and helping each other.

Key Verse

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work (1 Tim. 5:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jesus was nearing the end of his life on this earth. Thousands of people were acquainted with Him, having witnessed miraculous healings and forgiveness of sins. His sympathizing heart knew no bounds, and his life was one of loving servitude.

Jesus’s people, along with his enemies, were included in his view as He came to the edge of Jerusalem and saw the city. He wept and said, “If thou hadst known . . . the things which belong unto thy peace!” (Luke 19:42). He would have gathered them all together as a hen gathers her brood, but they would not.

Traumatic events had unfolded in the days before the Last Supper, and more was to come. Jesus was aware that He proceeded from God and was going back shortly, knowing the terrible anguish of body and spirit He would suffer first. Humility ruled his being, evidenced by his declaration that everything He had was given to Him by his Father. He deeply desired to go through a special time of teaching and closeness with the disciples before going to the cross. That time of fellowship and special instruction for his beloved followers brought an understanding that only the passage of time and experience with God and his Holy Spirit would fully reveal.

Deep spiritual and physical pain awaited Jesus, including the betrayal of one of his chosen apostles. Being together with his disciples, He again could perceive that not all were pure. But his humility again becomes apparent as He arose after supper, laid aside his garments, and took the role of a servant. The menial task of washing guest’s or traveler’s feet was normally reserved for the lowest of servants, which was the acceptable social order. Now Jesus approached the apostles with a towel and basin.

Peter reacted strongly to the unusual action his Lord and Master was initiating. Jesus used the spontaneous reaction of this aggressive disciple to further the teaching and example of humility and heart cleansing. A truly submissive spirit needed to prevail for a proper washing of his feet. Peter could have been thinking that if a cleansing for his feet was needed, his hands (his actions) and his head (his thinking) would need close attention as well. Since the Holy Spirit was not poured out yet, the humility and submissive spirit Jesus had tried to teach them was not recognized until after they were converted.

As Jesus tenderly washed each pair of feet, possibly He considered the lingering humanity and obvious faults in each disciple. Judas was devising a wicked plan in his heart. Despite that, Jesus washed twelve pairs of feet. He accepted the human element in these disciples shortly to be revealed in the garden of Gethsemane. Bending low and taking on the role of a servant, He forgave them by washing those feet that very soon would forsake Him, flee, and even betray Him.

We do not know how long after this experience of feet washing that the apostles caught the full meaning of it. Jesus had subjected his life fully to God. In surrendering his life for them, He showed them how they should serve others and each other.

Practical Truths for Today

From early days in history, feet washing is mentioned in the Bible as a needed courtesy or tradition. This was an expected act of hospitality shown toward all strangers and travelers in the eastern countries. Travelers, either walking barefoot or with some sort of sole to defend the foot, needed washing when they came to their journey’s end. A person’s feet were subjected to grueling, hot, and dirty conditions in normal, everyday life. It is no wonder then that Christ would portray such an example to the apostles, applying it to a spiritual walk.

It must have been refreshing to have one’s feet washed after walking on hot, scorching roads or trails. Journeying through this world, the spirits of rebellion, offense, casualness, and independence want to rub off and cling to us. The longer we go between washing, the more the dirt and filth of the world can build up in our lives. We need someone to help us wash our spiritual feet, as we may not be able to bend and administer the care that someone else can. Humility is required to expose our uncomely parts and let our brother or sister see those spots that are chafed and raw. They may administer a healing balm that causes a little pain but will restore us so we can walk again with a sure step. Forgiveness is also a part of washing, whether we are extending our own life to our brethren or washing our brethren’s spiritual feet.

In our Communion services, the ordinance of feet washing symbolically depicts what is mentioned above. As we travel through life, from time to time we desire for the dirt and stains to be washed away. Christ’s work of redemption does this for us, but He uses our need of each other to accomplish, fulfill, and satisfy a true fellowship. In obeying the Lord’s teaching of feet washing, we exemplify a deep spiritual truth.

Illustration

Many outstanding experiences have come through following the example and teaching Christ left us. These often leave lasting and favorable impressions, becoming faith and courage builders.

One of them includes a deacon brother who became very sick. He was of a somewhat quiet disposition, and at the last Communion service he attended, he slowly made it to the front bench where the basins had been placed. He needed some help, and as he was being assisted with uncovering his feet, it became even more obvious that his disease was overtaking him: his feet were purple from a lack of circulation. He carefully lifted them for the minister to wash them. Tears welled up in his eyes, and the meaningful occasion left a deep impression on both of them. They both knew the meaning of this sacred ordinance and how Jesus intended it to be. The joy and peace of salvation prevailed through the tears. Shortly after this the deacon brother passed on to his reward.

Questions

1. What is the most important reason for observing the ordinance of feet washing?
2. How do we spiritually help in the washing of feet?
3. Relate some encouraging experiences received in feet washing.
4. Can I, with attitudes and words, scrub another’s feet too hard?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).