Bethel MBC

Basic Baptist Doctrine, Lesson 17

DWS         

The Biblical Teaching of Foot-Washing

The previous two lessons have covered the basics of the two ordinances Christ left for His church.  We discussed that salvation was necessary to be scripturally baptized and that baptism (church membership) was essential for partaking of the Lord’s Table.  Tonight, our intention is to discuss another principle that Christ left for His church, although not as an ordinance.  This teaching deserves much of the undue attention which has historically been given to the two church ordinances.  As we mentioned previously, much of the actual church ordinance practices are symbolic.  The practice of foot-washing is also symbolic, but points us towards another reality of which Christ instructs us to be continually mindful.

I. Why are we even discussing this topic?

First, it is a doctrine taught by the Lord and also one which He personally demonstrated to His apostles as recorded in the Gospel of John.  The truth is there are numerous Missionary Baptist churches which practice foot washing and record such in associational minutes along with baptisms and Lord Supper observances.  These churches do not, however, hold foot washing to be an ordinance of the church.

Secondly, it is important for us to understand WHY some of our sister churches observe this practice and more importantly, why Christ would stress it so clearly to His disciples.  In addition, we must continue to seek the purest and most sincere interpretation of the doctrines Christ has left us as His children / church.

II. What is the motivation of some MBCs to observe this type of service?

The motivation of Christ in demonstrating this act of foot washing was not that the apostles would have clean feet.  Rather, He lesson was that they learn humility in serving others and ultimately Christ Himself via service to others.  Churches that choose to observe this type of service do so to remind themselves of their duty of service to others, especially those who belong to their church family. 

We must remember that while not necessary, there certainly is nothing inappropriate about the concept of such a practice as long as it is understood as an extracurricular activity, not an ordinance of the church. 

III. The Scriptural Basis for the Practice

John 13:1-17

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus 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. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So 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? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Again, it is the spirit of the teaching which Christ wanted to convey, not the literal practice.

IV. A “Typical” Foot-washing Service

a. Church gathers together, usually on a Saturday evening

b. Typical song service and preaching

c. A silver basin is prepared and those wishing to participate are asked to come to the altar.  They gather on both sides of the altar facing each other….men across from men, women across from women.

d. A long girding towel is put on the first person

e. As one is washing the feet of the person across the altar, they express their feelings and burdens to the other person.

f. They then switch places and the reverse takes place

g. After the first pair is finished, the basin is passed to the next two down the line

h. At the conclusion of the service, there is typically an altar of prayer, songs and a handshake.

The pastor to whom I have spoken in the past stated that there is usually rejoicing and shouting.  At times, it even resembles a revival service and other times it is subdued and somber. 

Nothing is wrong with such a service UNLESS, too much emphasis is placed upon this one service and the real duty of daily “washing one another’s feet” (service) is let down.  Jesus emphasized the spiritual principle shown by the physical observance and practice.

Luke 7:36-38; 44-50

36And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.  37And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment

44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

I Timothy 5:3-10

3Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 10Well 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.

I Peter 4:7-9

7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging

V. Some final thoughts

a. The washing of the apostles’ feet by Jesus is mentioned only once in the entire Net Testament (Jn 13)

b. Three gospels give an account of the Last Supper but do not mention foot washing (Mt 16:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-39)

c. All three of these gospels command the  Lord’s Table as an ordinance we must observe, but do not command foot washing (Mt 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20)

d. Foot washing is mentioned in the only gospel account that does not command the Lord’s Table (John ch 13-17)

e. It is not mentioned in the only epistle that commands the Lord’s Table (I Cor 11:23-32)

f. It is not mentioned in the New Testament as an ordinance practiced by the early church (Acts)

g. Jesus refers to what He did as an “example” of how the disciples should serve one another (John 13:35)

h. Jesus did this for practical reasons as well as to teach a point; it was a cultural practice and expectation

i. Jesus did it an example of the humility and servant attitude disciples should have one for another (John 13:12-17)

j. Jesus is giving us an example we should follow by doing humble acts of kindness to help others who live around us and have real needs.

What are some of the ways in which we may “wash the brethren’s feet?”