Washing one another's feet

[Miri]

Umm all interesting points.

I see the feet bringing the gospel of peace, Isaiah 52 v 7 as the spreading of the gospel.
How lovely are those who travel to bring that good news. In bible times they
did not have mobile phones so people literally had to walk or run from place to
place with news. (Or maybe ride)It might be bad news, imagine being the runner bringing
bad news!

Job 1:13-15 NKJV
[13] Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking
wine in their oldest brother's house; [14] and a messenger came to Job and said,
"The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, [15] when
the Sabeans raided them and took them away-indeed they have killed the
servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"



But those shod with the gospel of peace only ever bring good news (well unless
it is along the lines of - you terrible sinner you are going to die. Lol

 

[Grace777x70]

Umm all interesting points.

I see the feet bringing the gospel of peace, Isaiah 52 v 7 as the spreading of the gospel.
How lovely are those who travel to bring that good news. In bible times they
did not have mobile phones so people literally had to walk or run from place to
place with news. (Or maybe ride)It might be bad news, imagine being the runner bringing
bad news!

Job 1:13-15 NKJV
[13] Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking
wine in their oldest brother's house; [14] and a messenger came to Job and said,
"The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, [15] when
the Sabeans raided them and took them away-indeed they have killed the
servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"



But those shod with the gospel of peace only ever bring good news (well unless
it is along the lines of - you terrible sinner you are going to die. Lol

LOL..yes..that's realy the "good news" now is it.....we have the ministry of reconciliation ..God is not counting your sins against you because of Christ. Let's wash all everyone's feet with good news!

 

[p_rehbein]

I find it so amusing that this one "example" of Christian love and humility Jesus gave us is "explained" in so very many ways. Not saying rightly or wrongly, just saying that when it comes to this "example," there are so very many ways to explain not practicing His example.

Wonder why the same logic is not used when it comes to water baptism or Communion?

 

[thepsalmist]

Nice responses to this question.

Hermit is right, it's about serving others.

Ember is right, it's about humbling ourselves.

Miri is right, its about comforting each other.

Jenna is right, we are commanded to do unto others even if they don't do unto us.

Grace777 is right, the Word continues to cleanse our feet and thus our whole body.

Garee is right, it does have to do with the Gospel.

Ariel is right, it has to do with peace offerings in love.

And the thing my spirit reaches for when I think of that verse is the armor of God, and fellowship ...

Iron sharpens iron - we are all helping to clean each others' feet or understanding of the word (doctrine/beliefs).

 

[thepsalmist]

I find it so amusing that this one "example" of Christian love and humility Jesus gave us is "explained" in so very many ways. Not saying rightly or wrongly, just saying that when it comes to this "example," there are so very many ways to explain not practicing His example.

Wonder why the same logic is not used when it comes to water baptism or Communion?

Nods ... I have pointed this out a few times now ... I think often we disagree with others here because their answer is not exactly the same as ours. But sometimes a verse has many facets ... and meanings. The word is sharp, deep, alive.

 

[p_rehbein]

Nods ... I have pointed this out a few times now ... I think often we disagree with others here because their answer is not exactly the same as ours. But sometimes a verse has many facets ... and meanings. The word is sharp, deep, alive.

Yes it is, but when it comes to THIS ONE "example" given to the Church by Jesus Himself, explanations are what is accepted, and not action. However, when it comes to water baptism or Communion, BOTH explanations AND action are quite acceptable, encouraged, and even required by some.

I just find it amusing.

 

[Grace777x70]

Yes it is, but when it comes to THIS ONE "example" given to the Church by Jesus Himself, explanations are what is accepted, and not action. However, when it comes to water baptism or Communion, BOTH explanations AND action are quite acceptable, encouraged, and even required by some.

I just find it amusing.

There is also the cultural aspect of what Jesus was saying and doing at the time too.....we don't have a need for physically washing feet when we come into someone's home so we don't have that in our world today because we are a different culture but we can learn about the "reason" for doing it and the many facets of it's meaning in our life today.

 

[Chester]

First of all let me say I agree with many of the beautiful posts here about humility and serving one another.

I would like to add one more slant to these verses:

I have been in several churches and settings where there has been a literal observance of these verses. That is, one person washed the feet of the other as a sign and symbol that I want to serve you and be a servant. In one situation a pastor washed the feet of his entire congregation (about 50 people not 500 ) I believe that such a literal action when done with the attitude of servanthood can have powerful results.

The literal observance is definitely not the major issue here, but it surely could be included when Jesus said "I give you an example that you should do as I have done to you"

 

[oldethennew]

this thread reminds us of Jewish Yeshiva -

the point is, the scripture has many aspects and it has been understood for many thousands of years,
but the 'traditional-christianity' has the attitude that, 'if I am right, then you have to be wrong'...

we have seen this so many times on this forum, 'there will be a discussion, and so many are seeing so many
different sides of the scripture, and they can be all correct or close, YET there are many times that there is
a 'spirit of contention'...it is almost like an 'addiction in our culture' - it could be called, 'one-ups-man-ship'...
this is NOT the way of God...

even so, this THREAD is REFRESHING, and hopefully very 'enlightening to many'...

 

[oldhermit]

By oldhermit

The washing of the feet

1. An ancient practice

a. As a commonly practiced act of hospitality this dates back to very ancient times. In Genesis 18:4 as Abraham welcomed the three heavenly guests he offers water they they might wash their feet.
b. Lot did the same thing for the two angels we welcomed into Sodom, Genesis 19:3
c. In Genesis 24:32 Laban provided water for the washing of the feet of Eleazar, the servant of Abraham.
d. In Genesis 43:24 Joseph had the servants provide water for the washing of his brother's feet.
This can be seen in a number of other places in the Old Testament as well and the purpose for this courtesy was simple. The Orientals wore only sandals, and this washing was to refresh the guest as well as to clean the feet. If the host was a commoner he would provide the water and a basin and any guest would wash their own feet. If the host was a person of wealth or substance a household servant would often be provided to wash the feet of any guest. The duty of washing the feet of another was considered the lowliest of all tasks among the servants. This is well demonstrated in the statement made in 1Samuel 25:41 when she responded to those who came to take her to David to become his wife, “Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”


2. In the first century this was still a very common practice of hospitality. In Luke 7:44 Jesus rebuked Simon for two reasons.

a. Simon had withheld this courtesy from Jesus as his invited guest.
b. John's gospel is the only account that records the washing of the disciples feet. We know this took place after they had finished eating. In Luke 22, Luke tells us that after the institution of the Lord's Supper a discussion about who was the greatest had arisen among the disciples. Jesus' actions appear to be in response to that discussion.

3. On this occasion, the meaning of this common hospitable practice was elevated far beyond its normal intended purpose which was to remove the dust of travel and to refresh the traveler. This practice was strictly for the purpose of satisfying the needs of the flesh. Jesus used this as a symbol and a teaching tool. The meaning then of the action was not in the practice itself but in the symbolism that Jesus gives it on this occasion. This is the nature of all symbolism. Symbolism gives meaning to the action. “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

a. The apostles had no misunderstanding of the purpose of the washing of the feet. What they did not know was the meaning Jesus was assigning to his actions.
b. Peter's response was not one of arrogance but one of ignorance. He know it was not the place of the host or the master to wash the feet of the servant. The precise meaning was hidden from the apostles at this time but its importance would be understood at a later time.
c. Washing here is synonymous with spiritual purification. It was not the water in the basin that satisfied this need but something of a much more significant nature. Notice, Jesus did not say, “If I do not wash your feet” but “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Refusal to submit to spiritual cleansing would result in a denial of any relationship with Jesus. This was Judas. This is not a symbol of baptism but of the actual removal of spiritual defilement by the Lord himself.
d.“Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” This represents a desire on the part of Peter for full participation with the Master. His response seems to indicate that he was unwilling to deny anything that would in any was hinder his relationship with Jesus. If that meant allowing Jesus to wash his feet or his head, he was willing.
e. He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” The disciples are already clean, purified, made holy. They did not need to be cleansed again spiritually. All Jesus needed to do was wash their dirty feet. Only one among them had defiled himself again by choice and that was Judas. He was no longer clean and washing his feet will not make him clean.

4. The lesson
“So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”
Jesus is not talking about foot washing. The washing of one another's feet is a synonym for humility. They were to be humble toward one another, not vying for position above one another. The coveted position for each one of us in the kingdom is not above our brother but beneath him; not elevated but humbled. Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” We see this sentiment echoed in all of the ἀλλήλων passages.

a. “...bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord
has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13
b. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
c. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10
d. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
e. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24f.“...submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
How on earth could any of this be accomplished by a group of people who are always disputing among one another about which one of them is the greatest. Humility toward one another is the cohesive factor that holds us to to one another. This is the sign of a healthy and loving body of believers. True greatness is not based upon status or position within the Kingdom but on humility. Among those present at the supper, who would have considered themselves greater than Jesus yet, in the true character of humility Jesus performs the task of the lowliest of servants and washes the feet of these 12 men all of whom were debating among themselves which of them was the greatest. This would have certainly taken the force out of any of their claims of supposed greatness. The disciples knew how to wash feet. What they did not yet understand was the true nature of humility. This example by Jesus demonstrated what true humility looks like. If you want to be great, learn to be humble.

 

[seed_time_harvest]

'So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
"You call me teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

So what do you think this means for us today? ( well the same things as then exept for the actual washing of feet)

IMO,yes Its for today.

Those who gathered much had none left over and those who gathered little had no lack.
+++
Ephesians 4:13-14
King James Version(KJV)

13.)Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14.)That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

[p_rehbein]

QUOTE:

IF YOU WANT TO BE GREAT, LEARN TO BE HUMBLE

END QUOTE

Good thought.........and a great way to learn to be humble is to actually obey Jesus and celebrate the service of foot washing within the congregation. Just as is water baptism and Communion. As they also are full of symbolism.

 

[p_rehbein]

There is also the cultural aspect of what Jesus was saying and doing at the time too.....we don't have a need for physically washing feet when we come into someone's home so we don't have that in our world today because we are a different culture but we can learn about the "reason" for doing it and the many facets of it's meaning in our life today.

We can learn much from all of Scripture........this passage included. We can also learn by putting into practice what Jesus said. Great way to learn of and demonstrate Christian humility and love.

If we are going to ignore this practice, then, by all means let us ignore the practice of water baptism and Communion. They are both symbolic of s greater teaching/meaning/act of Christ.

 

[Grace777x70]

We can learn much from all of Scripture........this passage included. We can also learn by putting into practice what Jesus said. Great way to learn of and demonstrate Christian humility and love.

If we are going to ignore this practice, then, by all means let us ignore the practice of water baptism and Communion. They are both symbolic of s greater teaching/meaning/act of Christ.

I agree there is much to learn from scripture.

I think that we should wait on the Spirit of God to direct us in things of this nature as far as just washing feet for the sake of showing our humility. That can end up being a ritual just as well as anything else.

 

[Ariel82]

I spray my kids down with a hose sometimes...does that count?

Jk I like this thread and didn't really have any thing to add.

 

[mpaper345]

I do not think that Jesus is illustrating the point that we have to wash feet,as part of a standard procedure,although the illustration could apply back then,but the point is in the general sense.

The point that Jesus is trying to make is this.If Jesus who is the greatest human ever to step foot on this earth,above all people,and He can humble Himself to wash the feet of others in humility,than who are we that we cannot do the same,which in the general sense would apply to all things in love,and the welfare,of humanity.

 

[seed_time_harvest]

The thing about washing feet Is that If the pastor tells everyone that we are going to wash feet,the question arises,are there some washing feet because they don't want people to frown at them If they dont want to wash someone's feet or are they truly humble and want to serve others.

GOD looks at the heart.

I mentioned It because I have heard people talking about It after church service.

 

[p_rehbein]

The thing about washing feet Is that If the pastor tells everyone that we are going to wash feet,the question arises,are there some washing feet because they don't want people to frown at them If they dont want to wash someone's feet or are they truly humble and want to serve others.

GOD looks at the heart.

I mentioned It because I have heard people talking about It after church service.

A honest question. It is up to the Pastor, and the Elders (whatever) of the congregation to educate the congregation on the reason for celebrating foot washing. Usually this can be accomplished with a Sermon or in a Wednesday night Bible Study. As well, it should NEVER be a REQUIREMENT that the congregation participate, and I have never seen anyone looked down on for not participating in a foot washing service.

My church (all of them around the world) celebrate foot washing, and it is a voluntary participation service. It is usually scheduled for a particular night service apart from the normal services scheduled, and only those who sincerely want to participate show up. So, there shouldn't be any problems with someone feeling frowned upon, as all there chose to be there knowing full well what the service was about.

 

[p_rehbein]

I agree there is much to learn from scripture.

I think that we should wait on the Spirit of God to direct us in things of this nature as far as just washing feet for the sake of showing our humility. That can end up being a ritual just as well as anything else.

True, however, when such a service is celebrated in Christian love and humility, it can be such a rewarding and spiritually rejuvenating experience where the Holy Spirit touches the hearts and minds of all the participants.

I do not propose that it be a REQUIREMENT, but I do find it so very amusing that those who do propose that water baptism and the celebration of Communion be a requirement, deny this one. Too, too funny.

 

[Yet]

'So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
"You call me teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

So what do you think this means for us today? ( well the same things as then exept for the actual washing of feet)

What ive been teaching on for years and getting people mad at me.

The way up is down. Humble servitude. Jesus made Himself of no reputation but took upon Himself the form of a servant. Philippians 2:7

Today, servant humility is a by gone relic lost in the dust bin of history. Men clamoring for the top rung in the ecclesiastical battle for cleric hiearchy. Jesus set the example and tone for spiritual leadership by washing feet. Simple service to others without hungering for acclaim and pats on the back let alone money.

Today the example set for leadership by men is exalted titles, battling upwards into exalted positions, and claiming control and authority over others that God did NOT give them.

Well guess what? I just got somebody mad at me again. Boo hoo! See: True Leadership.