Topical Bible: The Feet: Washing for Others, a Menial office

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the act of washing feet was considered a menial task, often performed by the lowest servants in a household. This practice was necessary due to the dusty and dirty conditions of the roads in ancient times, as people typically wore sandals. The washing of feet was a gesture of hospitality, humility, and service.

Old Testament Context

While the specific act of foot washing is not extensively detailed in the Old Testament, there are references that highlight its significance as a gesture of hospitality. For instance, in Genesis 18:4, Abraham offers water to wash the feet of his divine visitors: "Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree." Similarly, in Genesis 19:2, Lot extends the same courtesy to the visiting angels in Sodom. These instances underscore the cultural importance of foot washing as an act of welcoming and serving guests.

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides a more profound theological and spiritual dimension to the act of foot washing, particularly through the example of Jesus Christ. In John 13:1-17, during the Last Supper, Jesus performs the task of washing His disciples' feet, a role typically reserved for servants. This act is recorded in John 13:5: "After that, 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."

Jesus' actions were not merely about physical cleanliness but served as a powerful lesson in humility and servanthood. In John 13:14-15, Jesus explains, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." Here, Jesus establishes a model for His followers, emphasizing that true greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others selflessly.

Theological Implications

The act of foot washing by Jesus is rich with theological implications. It symbolizes the cleansing from sin that Jesus provides, as well as the humility and love that should characterize His followers. The menial nature of the task highlights the call to serve others without regard for status or recognition. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of servant leadership, as seen in passages like Mark 10:43-45, where Jesus states, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all."

Practical Application

In the early Christian church, foot washing was practiced as a literal act of service and humility, reflecting the teachings of Christ. While not universally observed in contemporary Christian practice, the principle behind it remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to adopt an attitude of humility and service, following the example of Christ in their interactions with others. The act of washing feet serves as a metaphor for the broader call to love and serve one another, as articulated in Galatians 5:13: "Serve one another humbly in love."

In summary, the washing of feet in biblical times was a menial task that Jesus transformed into a profound lesson on humility, service, and love. Through His example, believers are called to embody these virtues in their daily lives, serving others as an expression of their faith and devotion to Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let your handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:5-14
After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Supper.
... that no one would condescend to the menial, but needful ... and early writers of
Christianity, while feet washing is named ... to be always ready to do to others as he ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the last supper.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... his whole body to be washed""not my feet only, but my hands and my head." If this
washing means that we ... he was to learn to submit while others bound him ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

Parting Promises and Warnings
... Do we regard ours as a trust to be administered for others? ... serves, are best understood
as referring to His wonderful act of washing the disciples' feet. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/parting promises and warnings.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The feet were shod with sandals, a tight-fitting cap ... into minor sections for
body-linen, washing, or for ... or by continued acquisitions of land, others fell into ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm