Question:
Please explain John 13 concerning feet-washing. After washing the disciples’ feet, the Savior said: “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.” (John 13:14-15). Was that to be observed by the disciples only in their time, or does it mean for all followers of Christ unto this day?
Answer:
Why was the ordinance given? What was its object? Does the need exist now?
- Luke tells us there was strife among the disciples regarding which should be the greatest. Some wanted to rule and have the others serve them, but Jesus the Master became an example of the lowest of servants.
- The object of the ordinance was to teach them that in Love’s kingdom, the greatest did the most and best service, and the lowliest, too, if called for. “I am among you,” said He on another occasion, “as he that serveth.” He wanted to teach them their absolute equality as brethren, sons of a common Father, servants of a common Master, and each as servant to all.
- Is it not needed now? Is there not the same old strife regarding who should be the greatest? Are there not lord priests and bishops and archbishops and popes? If Christ’s instructions had been followed, we would never have had the orders, classes, and castes that now exist in Christianity. Forever would Christ’s words have been true, “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” The counterfeit of the practice is preserved in the Roman Catholic Church, where it is said the pope washes the feet of twelve beggars once a year. There is no reason in the world, except human pride, why our Lord’s example should not be perpetuated, and pride is not a reason, for it demands its continuance.
- Jesus did not perform a mere act of hospitality, for Peter knew what that meant, but he did not know this act of our Lord. Verse 7. The real knowledge of its meaning would only come through spiritual enlightenment. It was necessary for Peter to take part in this and learn the lowly spirit of true service, or he would separate from his Lord. Verse 8.
- Finally, there is no limitation on duration or place in the words of Christ: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought [are obligated] to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. . . . If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Verses 14-17. What would the Sunday-keeper not give for such Bible evidence as this for Sunday observance?! He would ask no more. He would deem it all-sufficient. Is it not sufficient for the perpetuation of feet-washing, rightly called the “Ordinance of Humility”?
