I was sent an email asking about foot washing as an act of worship. There are religious groups that believe foot washing is an act every Christian should do at their assembly. What are we to make of this?
John 13:5 begins showing Jesus pouring water into a basin and wash the feet of His disciples. Was Jesus teaching this is what He wants in actuality? First, we have no other evidence of this practice by any congregation of our Lord in New Testament times. Some view this just as significant as Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper. We know from Scripture they practiced the Supper each first day of the week. Wouldn't it seem rather fitting if this was intended to be part of the worship that we would have evidence after His death, burial and resurrection?
When we look at the lesson Jesus was teaching, we find other verses that sum up His attitude and work. The Hebrew writer speaks of Jesus being appointed heir of all things and the world was made through Him (Heb. 1:1-2). The Creator and heir of all finds himself among His creation. Jesus left heaven, taking the form of a bond-servant, emptying Himself and ultimately offering His body as a sacrifice for our sins (Phil. 2:3-8). Jesus was a servant! It is very difficult to understand the heart and mind-set of Jesus the humble servant so Jesus illustrated it before He is sent to the cross by washing the feet of His disciples telling them to do as He did to them. Let's make the tie...
We are told: "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5) What attitude did He have? An attitude of service, not looking out for His own personal interests but for the interests of others. Isn't that what love speaks? This is the lesson we learn from the water basin!
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