Humility and Feet Washing

Back in the days at the time of the foot washing, it was more of a cultural thing because sandals did little to keep dirt off the feet. At the entrance to every Jewish home was a large pot of water to wash dirty feet. Normally, foot washing was the duty of the lowliest slave. Jesus had said to the twelve, "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Matthew 20:26‑27). Jesus was demonstrating love as He "Removed His outer garment, girded his loins with a towel, went about and began to wash their feet." Jesus is advocating loving service, and Biblical love is self-sacrificing service which is part of the "community". Its a reminder that the life of the church is made up of spiritual attitudes and spiritual motivations, spiritual graces that come from deep within the community. Its a reminder of this verse in Ephesians 4:4, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."

One thing I like about feet washing is a reminder that there is "NO ME" in Church. A humbled Christian wants to see other Christians above self and is happy when others are promoted and a spiritual Christian with humility is overlooked. Community, Unity and Love reminds me of this verse: "That if we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make our joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Philippians 2:1-2). Feet washing is an primary example of humility however, it is more than that. When Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash His feet, Jesus gave a curious answer: "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me...A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet, his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you" (John 13:8, 10). Judas wasn't clean. Jesus is the one who does the real cleansing on the inside. He does that constantly, as we appropriate His forgiveness. At a church communion service, this is pictured in a very meaningful, Christ-like way.

I just believe that by doing feet washing will benefit us more than we do not.