Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquila
I see Christ's act of foot washing as being an example of how we are to serve one another. I don't see an institutionalized ordinance or rite to be repeated. Let's look at the passage again...
John 13:12-15
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 It was an example in the moment. We do the same not by washing feet... but by serving one another with respect and reverence. |
Jesus did something out of the ordinary. The disciples did not expect it.
Jesus said his disciples OUGHT to do this to one another. Therefore we OUGHT to do it.
Jesus gave us an example, that we should do as he did.
If one does not practice footwashing, one is not doing what they OUGHT to do, nor is one following Jesus' example.
Jesus taught and demonstrated humility, agape, and service in many ways other than footwashing. Therefore when he says we OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET he is not speaking metaphorically.
One cannot wash one another's feet by not washing one another's feet.