What is the purpose of a foot washing service?

[LifeUncommon]

Originally Posted by Esther

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

I don't see where any confusion can be in these scriptures. He plainly said you "ought" to wash each others feet.

"ought" 1. have a duty; be obliged: [you ought to obey your parents] 2. be right or suitable [it ought to be allowed] 3. be wise [I ought to go before it rains] 4. be expected: [ at your age you ought to know better] 5. be very likely: the fastest one ought to win the race
syn. 1. must, should
Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary

To me here He is saying you MUST I have given you an example of what I want you to do.

How is that confusing?

Interesting interpretation. Thanks for sharing. I guess you don't have the kind of reference I was looking for, but I can research on my own. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

Yes, that's what I am saying!!

You still got to wash them feet!

[Esther]

Originally Posted by LifeUncommon

Interesting interpretation. Thanks for sharing. I guess you don't have the kind of reference I was looking for, but I can research on my own. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

I am guessing you are looking for one that doesn't include washing feet and your right I don't have one.

As to reference I gave you scripture, not sure what other kind of reference you want unless it is just opinions, and you will get plenty of that here.

[LifeUncommon]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

Correct, Jesus was speaking to those disciples, 2000 years ago, who practiced a CUSTOM of footwashing.

In there day and custom, YES, they should follow his EXAMPLE and humbly wash a brothers feet.

Bu i contend we have missed the PRINCIPLE Christ was teaching if we think washing someone feet here in America 2000 years later is the LESSON he wanted to impart to us.

This exactly. I completely agree. There are so many passages in the Bible that are not literal. Like take up your cross and follow me. It says that. But it doesn't mean we should make a literal cross and drag it around.

That's why I was asking if you had a reason, Esther, for interpreting the foot washing literally. If you don't and its just a feeling that's fine. But that's what I was asking. Since you seem so sure of it, I thought you may have done some research that you were willing to share.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by LifeUncommon

Interesting interpretation. Thanks for sharing. I guess you don't have the kind of reference I was looking for, but I can research on my own. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Yes I have research it. And I do undestand your example of a literal wooden cross being dragged around not being the principal that He was stating.

But let us continue on in John 13:6-9

Peter asked Jesus, are you going to wash my feet? "And Jesus answered and said "What I do thou knowest not NOW; but thou shalt know hereafter"

But Peter went on to say you will never wash my feet! But Jesus reply was very significant..."If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me".

I think we also have the example in the OT when God told Moses to tell the priest to wash their hands and FEET, and if they don't they would DIE. That is pretty important.

Jesus explained to Peter we won't now until the "hereafter" why it is so important that we wash one anothers feet.

[LifeUncommon]

We're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one, Esther. I do believe you are trying to be helpful, but we are talking at cross purposes at this point.

Thanks anyway!