Scripture regarding Foot Washings?

[Barb]

If so, ignore me with my permission.

I am wondering, does anyone have proof, be it Scripture or Church historical letters/documents that the early Church practiced Foot Washing?

Was it a rite ordained by Christ and followed by the Saints of old, or have we taken an incident in the Bible and made it common practice?!

[whollyHis]

Barb...when I was about 19 years old, I asked this question of my dad- he was a UPCI licensed evangelist- he could give me no example of the CHURCH doing this. He suggested that I ask my pastor the question. I did. Wrong thing to do. He told me I was being proud and a tiny bit contentious. Maybe if I had myself a good prayer meeting, I might not worry about the 'WHYS' so much...after all, obedience IS better than sacrifice...*sigh*

Thanks for asking this...

[Barb]

Originally Posted by whollyHis

Barb...when I was about 19 years old, I asked this question of my dad- he was a UPCI licensed evangelist- he could give me no example of the CHURCH doing this. He suggested that I ask my pastor the question. I did. Wrong thing to do. He told me I was being proud and a tiny bit contentious. Maybe if I had myself a good prayer meeting, I might not worry about the 'WHYS' so much...after all, obedience IS better than sacrifice...*sigh*

Thanks for asking this...

It must be indeed a silly question or one for which there is no sound answer...thanks, WH...

[Sherri]

We don't do it, but I'm not against it. I remember some of those old foot washing services when I was a kid. I never really got anything out of it, but some did.

[freeatlast]

My thoughts Barb is that it is an example of humble service. We should practice acts of humble service, the greater serving the lesser.

Today my feet are not dirty and the practice of footwashing by our culture has long since ceased.

You can see in the word mentions of footwashing in Genesis. Much like parapets on roofs, times have changed and we don't see the need to build railings on our roofs anymore.

The subject has been argued on fcf and nfcf till I thought sure the cows would come home.

Some believe it is a command that we must follow or our soul will surely be lost.

I think that view is all wet. Wet feet and all.

Hope you find the answer you are looking for.

[Esther]

Barb, I have never figures out how we can NOT do foot washing when Jesus clearly told the deciples this OUGHT you to do.

In fact, when Peter told Him not to wash his feet, Jesus told Peter if he didn't wash his feet he would have no part with Him. (paraphrased)

With that kind of emphasis being made how can we NOT do it???

YET, there are things that we do not do where there is no scripture that says one way or the other.

My question is IF Communion is continued then why not foot washing? Were they not done at the same time?

Where they not equally important?

I think we have become too proud to wash one anothers feet. And PRIDE WILL bring us down.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

My thoughts Barb is that it is an example of humble service. We should practice acts of humble service, the greater serving the lesser.

Today my feet are not dirty and the practice of footwashing by our culture has long since ceased.

You can see in the word mentions of footwashing in Genesis. Much like parapets on roofs, times have changed and we don't see the need to build railings on our roofs anymore.

The subject has been argued on fcf and nfcf till I thought sure the cows would come home.

Some believe it is a command that we must follow or our soul will surely be lost.

I think that view is all wet. Wet feet and all.

Hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Thank you and I agree with the above...as for humility and all, love and service to the household of faith cab be displayed in many ways.

I'm with Sherri, too...I never get anything out of it either.

My aunt used to always shout and kick the basin over, water flying everywhere. When we were young and played church, I was always Aunt LaJean 'cause I wanted to kick the water and make a mess...

[Remington]

Here is one.

I Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Esther

Barb, I have never figures out how we can NOT do foot washing when Jesus clearly told the deciples this OUGHT you to do.

In fact, when Peter told Him not to wash his feet, Jesus told Peter if he didn't wash his feet he would have no part with Him. (paraphrased)

With that kind of emphasis being made how can we NOT do it???

YET, there are things that we do not do where there is no scripture that says one way or the other.

My question is IF Communion is continued then why not foot washing? Were they not done at the same time?

Where they not equally important?

I think we have become too proud to wash one anothers feet. And PRIDE WILL bring us down.

I mentioned that very Scripture to my mom this morning when we were out and about. It is my understanding/belief that Jesus was speaking directly to Peter..."If you refuse to wash my feet, you have no part with me."

It is not pride that makes me feel this way...I simply do not believe that this is a mandate that if I don't do it, I have no part with Him. Does that mean then that my salvation is null and void? Am I going to be kept out of that Pearly White City because I don't wash feet?

Re Communion, Jesus said ,"As oft as you do this..." In other words, continue...I don't see this with Foot Washing, but I am NOT contentious. If it can be proven that it is a rite set forth by the Master, great...I will comply.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Remington

Here is one.

I Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Oi...well, there ya go...thank you...