“…whoever wants to become great among you must BE YOUR SERVANT, and whoever wants to be FIRST MUST BE SLAVE OF ALL. For even the Son of Man did not come TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)
So, how did Jesus DEMONSTRATE this teaching? Jesus and His disciples were in the upper room, Jesus, “…got up from the meal and took off His outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a large bowl. Then He began to wash His disciples’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” (John 13:2-5) Jesus received some strange responses from His disciples, but He concluded this teaching session with, “IF I then, your LORD and TEACHER, have washed your feet, YOU ALSO OUGHT (opheilō: to be under obligation) to WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET.” (John 13:14)
Do people practice this Ordinance (something ordained by a deity) today? NO, Many Christians like to show their humility and love IN OTHER WAYS that do not require the literal washing of feet. Some churches will promote this to help strengthen the bond within their congregation. This article is from BELIEFNET, who helps people find and walk in a spiritual path. What did Jesus say? YOU ALSO OUGHT (opheilō: to be under obligation) to WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET.” (John 13:14) This pattern set by Christ helps us understand that the washing of feet is an act of obedience, humility, and unity. He called on His disciples to do to one another AS HE HAD DONE (not some other random act) TO THEM. As an act before the divine teachings on the sacrament.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham