Foot washing

[missmuffet]

Some here have referred to foot washing in our Churches today. Here is what the Bible says.

What does the Bible say about foot-washing?

Question: "What does the Bible say about foot-washing?"

Answer: In Bible times, the dusty and dirty conditions of the region and the wearing of sandals necessitated foot-washing. Although the disciples most likely would have been happy to wash Jesus' feet, they could not conceive of washing each other's feet. This was because in the society of the time, foot-washing was reserved for the lowliest of menial servants. Peers did not wash one another's feet, except very rarely and as a mark of great love. Luke points out (22:24) that the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them, an attitude that precludes a willingness to stoop to wash feet. When Jesus moved to wash their feet (see also John 13:1-16), they were shocked. His actions serve also as symbolic of spiritual cleansing (vs. 6-9) and a model of Christian humility (vs. 12-17). By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus taught the lesson of selfless service that was supremely exemplified by His death on the cross.

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 washing dust from the feet of one's guests. Although the Lord's Supper was practiced, the early church apparently did not practice foot-washing as an ordinance in church gatherings.

This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. A Christian widow's practice of "washing the feet of the saints" (1 Timothy 5:10) speaks not of her involvement in a church ordinance but of her humble, slave-like service to other believers. To refuse to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. “No servant is greater than his master” (John 13:16).

www.gotquestions.org/foot-washing.html

Edited July 23, 2019 by missmuffet

[Who me]

The reality of a humble church leader is seen in that leaders willingness to be a spiritual servant to all.

To patiently endure the ramblings of a confused member of the church, to answer endless pointless questions, to be there when people are distressed etc.

Those who have great priviledges in Christ have to serve the lowly and unregarded in the church.

 

Paul used the example of the mighty and wonderfull hand cleans the lowly backside.

[Still Alive]

This "foot washing" stuff was a "thing" when I moved to my new home in Kentucky 8 years ago. I tried it. I couldn't relate. Not my culture. We wear shoes nowadays and take showers. And we use a lot of asphalt, brick and concrete. 

The foot washing thing just felt kinda dumb.

Edited July 23, 2019 by Still Alive

[R. Hartono]

One primary school in my city has taught children to wash their parents foot as a token of gratitude n love, they do that program every three months by calling parents to school.

[Sower]

I personally don't think God simply wants us to wash other peoples feet.
I do believe He would be pleased if we are willing to 'submit' ourselves to
serving others, to the servants position, even on our knees.

[Kristin]

I agree with Sower. I would wash feet if need be, but really it’s the servant attitude that is desired. Or maybe required?

[Willa]

In my area, as in many others in the summer, everyone wears sandals and flip flops.  Putting my feet in a pan of cool water sounds really good right now.  

[Kristin]

@Willa it does!  

[Piratematey]

I remember when the leaders of the church that I go to, including the pastors, washed the congregation's feet.  I sensed their humility and heart behind it.  

[BeauJangles]

Jesus did this for the disciples as a humble act of servitude. There are some churches that practice this on occasion, and I see no wrong in it, personally speaking. But it isn't a scriptural requirement as far as I know.