Different Thought on Foot Washing

[Esther]

As the pastor was preaching this morning and mentioned the example of Jesus washing feet, a different thought came to my mind.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples NOT the disciples washing each others feet. I know we all know this and the history of the UPC has been for those who did or may still (very few that there be) the saints washed each others feet.

Just supposed instead we followed Jesus example and the pastor who is the leader washed his helper’s feet as Jesus washed His helper’s feet.

Consider the possibility of a healing revival if the pastor would have a meeting of about 12 men and washed each of their feet. Praying over them as he washed their feet, for God to wash them clean of sin, that God would wash any hurt from them that the pastor may have caused etc. Perhaps even begin with communion or end with communion. And continue on until he has washed all the men’s feet in his congregation.

Perhaps begin with the leaders and the elders and work his way down to the youngest of 20.

Then let us look at another example of washing feet. The woman, who washed Jesus feet with her tears and anointed His feet with perfumed oil, was not a leader but a follower.

Now at this same meeting after the pastor has washed each of the men’s feet let each of the men wash their pastor’s feet. Praying for God to wash him of all sins, and wash any hurts that they may have caused the pastor, and that God would anoint their pastor to be used of God in a greater way.

What a way to start off the year. Clean in spirit and attitude.

The women could do the same thing with the pastor’s wife. Etc.

Do you think this could bring revival?

[Cindy]

Those are shouting words Esther.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

Those are shouting words Esther.

Thanks!

I believe so too.

[Pressing-On]

I believe the act certainly keeps you in the servant frame of mind. I think it's an excellent thought! I've seen people become totally paranoid when you suggest having a foot washing.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I believe the act certainly keeps you in the servant frame of mind. I think it's an excellent thought! I've seen people become totally paranoid when you suggest having a foot washing.

So have I, and I can't for the life of me understand it.

But the thing that brought down lucifer was PRIDE.

I think PRIDE is the reason churches no longer have foot washing.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Esther

So have I, and I can't for the life of me understand it.

But the thing that brought down lucifer was PRIDE.

I think PRIDE is the reason churches no longer have foot washing.

Maybe not always pride. I think people just don't want someone touching their feet.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Maybe not always pride. I think people just don't want someone touching their feet.

And what to you think the reason for that is?

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Esther

So have I, and I can't for the life of me understand it.

But the thing that brought down lucifer was PRIDE.

I think PRIDE is the reason churches no longer have foot washing.

I don't think it's pride, I just think that the act of washing someone's feet in Jesus' day was an act they understood to be total servanthood.

We don't understand that today, because it's not a part of our culture.

I think we need to do something in our generation that we completely understand to be total servanthood, and to each person, that may be different.

I agree that pride is the downfall of many, but I don't believe that the act of washing someone's feet in 2008 necessarily helps you overcome your pride.

Maybe surrendering a position of authority to another person? Maybe making dinner for someone less fortunate? Maybe just have a good old fashioned repenting service where you go to someone that you trust and confess your faults one to another and ask them to pray for you?

Just ideas.....

[Cindy]

I think a lot of people consider their feet ugly. Especially women that have worn the pointy toe shoes and heels for years.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

I think a lot of people consider their feet ugly. Especially women that have worn the pointy toe shoes and heels for years.

So what are the men's excuse?