Topical Bible: Feet Washing

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Topical Encyclopedia

Feet washing is a significant biblical practice that holds both symbolic and practical importance within the Christian tradition. It is most prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples during the Last Supper. This act is rich in theological meaning and has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history.

Biblical Account

The primary scriptural reference for feet washing is found in John 13:1-17. In this passage, Jesus, knowing that His hour had come to depart from this world, demonstrates His love for His disciples by performing the humble task of washing their feet. The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' words and actions as follows:

"Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was wrapped around Him" (John 13:5).

When Peter initially objects to Jesus washing his feet, Jesus responds, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me" (John 13:8). This exchange highlights the necessity of spiritual cleansing and the humility required to accept it.

Symbolism and Meaning

Feet washing in the biblical context serves as a powerful symbol of humility, service, and purification. Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound demonstration of servant leadership, emphasizing that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others. Jesus explicitly instructs His disciples to follow His example:

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14).

This directive underscores the call for believers to practice humility and serve one another selflessly.

Theological Interpretations

The act of feet washing has been interpreted in various ways within Christian theology. Some view it as a literal ordinance to be practiced within the church, akin to baptism and communion. Others see it as a metaphorical lesson on humility and service, emphasizing the attitude and spirit behind the action rather than the physical act itself.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, feet washing was a common practice due to the dusty and dirty conditions of the roads. It was typically performed by servants or the lowest members of a household. Jesus' choice to wash His disciples' feet was a radical inversion of social norms, highlighting His role as a servant leader.

Practice in Christian Traditions

Throughout church history, various Christian denominations have incorporated feet washing into their liturgical practices. Some Anabaptist and Brethren groups observe it as an ordinance, often in conjunction with the Lord's Supper. In these traditions, feet washing is seen as a tangible expression of humility and community.

Spiritual Lessons

Feet washing teaches several spiritual lessons, including the importance of humility, the necessity of spiritual cleansing, and the call to serve others. It reminds believers of the sacrificial love of Christ and the call to emulate His example in their daily lives.

Conclusion

Feet washing remains a poignant reminder of the call to humility and service within the Christian faith. Whether practiced literally or understood symbolically, it continues to inspire believers to follow the example of Christ in serving one another with love and humility.

Topical Bible Verses

Genesis 18:4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
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Genesis 19:2
And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night.
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John 13:8
Peter said to him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
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Genesis 24:32
And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.
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Greek

3537. nipter -- a basin
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: nipter Phonetic Spelling:
(nip-tare') Short Definition: a basin Definition: a basin for washing hands or feet. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3537.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

3526. kabas -- to wash
... fuller, washing. A primitive root; to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping
with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or ...
/hebrew/3526.htm - 6k

Library

The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet.
... but thou shalt understand hereafter. [It was no mere feet-washing; or
Jesus would not have so spoken. It was at once an example ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxviii the paschal meal jesus.htm

Meditation vii. The Washing of the Feet.
... Peter, when his turn came, endeavoured through humility to prevent Jesus from washing
his feet: 'Lord,' he exclaimed, 'dost thou wash my feet?' Jesus answered ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation vii the washing of.htm

Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet.
... THURSDAY"THE DAY OF FELLOWSHIP JESUS WASHING THE DISCIPLES' FEET. Now
before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus washing the disciples feet.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... Unless he was prepared to leave the room and reckon himself an outcast from that
company, he must submit to the feet-washing which his friends and fellow ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

"In Remembrance of Me"
... At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that He understood the
character of Judas. "Ye are not all clean" (John 13:11), He said. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... morning light. Nearly the whole of mystery Babylon and her harlot daughters
reject the sacred ordinance of feet-washing. Some of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii false teachings of.htm

Teaching Three Things in one Action.
... every such sin must be cleansed away. And it can be. The feet-washing told
this bit of tremendous truth. These men trusted Christ. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/teaching three things in one.htm

Judas Exposed.
... He had just closed his remarks on the lesson of humility and service, illustrated
by feet washing, and now a cloud comes over his soul. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/judas exposed.htm

The Last Supper.
... That feet washing belongs to the class of examples, rather than of church ordinances,
is demonstrated by the fact that when we turn to the inspired history of ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the last supper.htm

The Ordinances of the New Testament.
... Isa.1:15. Feet-Washing. ... The ordinance of feet-washing was instituted by the
Savior, and is recorded in the thirteenth chapter of John. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter viii the ordinances of.htm