There are those in the Church that believe we should observe the washing of feet as Jesus taught his disciples, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:3-17).
In this example Jesus gives we see the message that we are to serve one another as Christ serves his disciples, doing even the littlest act of love like caring for fellow brother’s feet. However, is the point we must imitate Christ literally and wash feet or is it to do whatever is the need of our brother and sister? I know during the Jesus Revolution since so many people were barefoot and sandal wearing hippies getting the Holy Ghost, that Pastor Chuck Smith washed their feet before entering the church. But this was for practical reason, their feet was dirty, just as Jesus told Peter, “Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean.” (John 13:10). So the purpose of the feet washing on a surface level was to clean feet covered and dirty and dust in 33 A.D. Judea, it would not be entirely practical to ask someone wearing shoes or boots to come and wash their feet.
Now am I speaking against Jesus’ example? Absolutely not! Just highlighting the context of if. On one hand it has practical application, the feet needed washing from traveling in sandals, the spiritual purpose was to remind the disciples that Jesus came to serve not be served and they should likewise do the same and not become conceited, but be willing by to tend to a brother in Christ’s needs, which James repeats with some other ideas how to do this, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. f one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action,f is dead.” (James 2:15-18).
The fact remains though, the practical side of feet washing is relegated to people who live in beach towns and have brothers who need their feet washed. So should we practice it in metropolitan areas where everyone wears socks and shoes? I would never presume to speak against a practice if you feel called by Christ to carry it out, nor slight the concept of tender care having a leader in church clean disciples feet. It is superb act of humility, love, and means to help a leader connect with members of a congregation, but should it be modeled in all churches? Honestly, unless you live in beach towns and cities and have lots of people with sandals, it seems unlikely that we are intended to carry out the practical side of this lesson, and instead derive the spiritual point, which is to serve others, especially leaders serving their members in a church, which means looking for what is the washing they need, maybe its some food or hanging out or something else. Now Jesus mentions the point he is making to His disciples elsewhere, “And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, uone who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves,” (Luke 22:25-27), “Matthew 20:25–28
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles ilord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and lto give his life as a ransom for many.” (). I believe this was the point Jesus was trying to drive he with the foot washing, to emphasize that the greatest is one who serves, is a servant of all. The point is to adopt a Christ like attitude, to care for littlest needs of His flock. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment