so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word
(Ephesians 5:26)
there's a consistency here
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
(John 15:3)
He baptized no one in H2O, but He washed their feet
Good example. I would offer the gospel hid in a parable . The washing and renewing work of the Spirit cleansing us daily .
Washing feet represents hearing the gospel
and believing God, as the work of God does the first work by we can believe Him not seen
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29
We are to wash each others feet as a sign we have heard the commandment and believed our loving father .
How beautiful are the words the feet carry. They are moved or sent with the gospel of Christ, they preach Christ not seen, not their own selves they are what need cleaning .
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
Interestingly Jesus begins the demonstration telling them; it is a parable and the spiritual understanding is hid. But later by example He would reveal the mystery to them ( If
I wash thee not, thou hast no part with
me). As always He must do the first works, our first experience of His love as it first worked in us ...as that which we return to when we hear His call to repent. He promises He will continue till to work in us with us to the end (Philipian1:6). He is our living Hope that rises above all human hope.
I would think it was a great parable I think used to move His children believers to unity. That we would love one another as Jesus did when he washed Peters feet. Remembering we do not wrestle against flesh and blood Feet that are used to preach the good news can bring a healing to a brother or sister.
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.7-15