Foot-washing – What does the Bible say?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Foot-washing in biblical times was not a matter of ceremony or religious activity, but a necessary form of hygiene. Dusty, dirty paths and roads created the need to have your feet washed constantly. However, in most cultures, the activity of washing someone's feet was relegated to the lower classes. For example, Jesus' disciples may have elevated Him high enough to be worshipful enough to wash His feet, but they would not consider washing each other's feet. Peers did not do that sort of thing, except perhaps very rarely and as a show of great love. But Jesus washed His disciples' feet. Jesus provided us an example of humility and servanthood through washing the feet of His disciples. We should have the same humble attitude and servanthood regarding those near us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• When Abraham hosted three visitors who were either angels or two angels and a pre-incarnate Christ (a theophany), he offered them hospitality, including water to wash their feet (Genesis 18:4). This gesture was a customary act of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus washed His disciples' feet before His crucifixion (John 13).
• The evening before the Passover festival, Jesus and His disciples were gathered for their last supper together in the upper room (John 13:1–2). John 13:3–5 says, "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
• When Jesus came to Peter, Peter initially objected, saying, "'Lord, do you wash my feet?' Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me'" (John 13:6–8). Peter, upon hearing Jesus' response, requested Jesus to wash not only his feet but also his hands and head (John 13:9). Jesus explained to Peter that "one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean" (John 13:10).
• After washing their feet, Jesus explained the significance of what He had done. He said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:12–15).
• During this time, Jesus also mentioned that not all of them were clean, referring to Judas Iscariot, who would betray him (John 13:10–11, 18–30).
• Jesus concluded the foot-washing by giving His disciples a new commandment: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35). Jesus gave His disciples a tangible way to see the attitude He was calling them to have and revealed that this attitude comes out in action.
• In Luke 22:24 we see that at the same time as the foot-washing, the disciples were arguing with themselves about who among them was the greatest. Jesus' gesture of humility would have been particularly poignant. Jesus taught them to serve each other and others. If the Son of God, the Messiah, could wash their feet, there was no one's feet they could not wash, figuratively.
• Jesus' selfless servanthood symbolized spiritual cleansing (John 13:6–9) and shows everyone a great model of humility (John 13:12–17). Jesus' death on the cross, which brings about spiritual purity for those who put their faith in Him, was unquestionably another selfless display of servanthood (Philippians 2:5–11).
• The biblical accounts of Jesus washing His disciples' feet provide us a model of attitude, not necessarily of a specific activity. This is reflected in 1 Timothy 5:10 where a Christian widow has a practice of washing the feet of the saints. This account does not tell a story of a foot-washing necessarily, but of a woman who serves those around her.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Just as Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated humility and servanthood by washing the feet of His disciples, we are called to embody the same attitude in our daily lives. This act was not just a cultural norm or a ceremonial gesture; it was a powerful symbol of selfless service and spiritual cleansing. Likewise, we are challenged to humble ourselves, serve others with genuine love and humility, and be willing to perform acts of kindness and service that others might overlook or consider beneath them. By embracing this attitude of humility and service, we reflect the love of Christ and fulfill His commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34–35). This example encourages us to see every opportunity to serve others as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like love and humility in action.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus washed His disciples; feet, in part, to teach humility and servant leadership.
• Foot-washing was a gesture of hospitality and respect in biblical times.
• Foot-washing symbolizes spiritual cleansing and forgiveness in the Christian context.

REFLECT

• How does Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet challenge your understanding of humility and servant leadership?
• Reflect on a recent opportunity where you were able to serve someone in a humble manner. How did this experience reflect Jesus' example of foot-washing?
• How can you integrate the symbolism of foot-washing—humility, loving service, and spiritual cleansing—into your daily interactions with others?

ENGAGE

• Actual foot-washing has become a practice, and even a church ordinance, among some Christians, even in cultures where dusty feet are not the norm. In the early church, we see observance of the Lord's Supper, but not the practice of foot-washing as an ordinance.
• How does the cultural context of foot-washing in biblical times deepen our understanding of Jesus' demonstration of humility and servant leadership?
• Reflect on the contrast between Jesus washing His disciples' feet and their argument about greatness (Luke 22:24). How does this narrative challenge our modern-day perspectives on leadership and service within Christian communities?