Foot Washing

[hometown guy]

If Jesus himself said to Peter that he would have no part with him if he did not allow him to wash his feet and then tells them that he did this as an example for us to do to others, then how can people think this is optional? I would say that foot washing is like baptism to them that have already been baptized. I'm just curious to know if some of you think you can be right with God and ignore this portion of scripture?


John 13
6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12So 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?

13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

[Rudy]

For me it is about teaching servanthoood and humility. Peter bucked because Lords/ Masters do not stoop to wash servants feet. He is showing Peter there is no ruling class. As you may know foot washing there was common. I personally feel it is not a requirement.

[Scott Hutchinson]

This is interesting.
http://www.anabaptistnetwork.com/node/326

[hometown guy]

Originally Posted by Rudy

For me it is about teaching servanthoood and humility. Peter bucked because Lords/ Masters do not stoop to wash servants feet. He is showing Peter there is no ruling class. As you may know foot washing there was common. I personally feel it is not a requirement.

Then why would Jesus say to do it if it's not required?

[Sister Alvear]

footwashing was common yes...BUT not after a meal...footwashing was done when the person arrived...

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by hometown guy

Then why would Jesus say to do it if it's not required?

For me the Intent goes deeper than the act itself. A lesson on servant-hood.

"Know ye what I have done to you?"

[Amanah]

It was typically done on New Years eve at the Jesus name church I attended years back. It was called watch night service.

We prayed and washed each other feet, men in one room, women in another, until the new Year. then we met in the sanctuary for communion.

We had typically been fasting before the service, and it was a time of great brokenness and reconcialiation. If anyone in the church had aught against anyone, humbling yourself before them while you prayed for them usually broke any hurt feelings and worked reconciliation.

I have not done this in years, and it's the type of thing that you don't really want to do because feet are yuck. but for some reason God always used it to bring us closer as a church family.

[Sister Alvear]

I think it is a beautiful service and unless we can be humble enough to wash someone's feet we usually will not be humble enough to serve...

[TGBTG]

I have never been at a foot washing service. All the churches I have ever attended do not do it...

I wonder what it will be like to partake in one...

[Sister Alvear]