The Reality Behind Foot Washing

September 28, 2003 Preacher: Randy Smith Series: John

Scripture: John 13:1–17

Transcript

The Reality Behind Foot Washing

John 13:1-17
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Pastor Randy Smith



A few weeks ago, a fellow brother and I were surfing in Belmar. Since he is a member of this church, I will respect his anonymity and refer to him simply from now on as "Rick R." Well, we had just entered the water and Rick R. saw what appeared to be a shark. Together we paddled out of the water. On the shore he attempted to point out a brown fin that would occasionally surface in our location. I didn't see anything and eventually he didn't either so we went back out. Within 10 minutes Rick R. once again claimed to see the shark, this time much closer to our location. So once again we paddled to the shore and attempted to spot and identify this mysterious fin. This time I saw it! There was definitely something brown bobbing up and down in the water.

Now maybe you folks on the East Coast think sighting a shark is a common occurrence, but us Midwesterners think it's a big deal. I mean I envisioned seeing lifeguards running up and down the shore, whistles blowing and contacts to the local fishermen to remove the savage beast! But I went to Rick R. and said, "What should we do?" He replied with an "I don't know." Since many people were playing dangerously close to the shark, I felt it best to take the matter into my own hands. I felt the responsibility to warn some people myself. I waded out to the closest lady and firmly told her of the impending danger. She looked at me kind of funny and sarcastically said, "Did you see Jaws last night or something?" I replied, "No I didn't. This is serious. There is a shark out there and we need to warn everybody so they can clear the water!" She laughed at me and said, "Look a little closer, it's only a cardboard box." And much to our embarrassment, she was correct!

Knowing what is real is important. The difference between a shark fin and a cardboard box floating in the water is the same as the difference between lightening and a lightening bug! We must decipher fact from fiction. We must seek the meaning behind certain events. We must determine the "why" behind the "what."

Our account this morning in John 13 is one of the more popular biblical stories. The foot washing of Jesus Christ is a favorite of many because it clearly portrays the compassion, love and humility of our wonderful Savior. But is there a deeper reality to that which this event pointed? Is there a "why" behind the "what?" Is the foot washing itself only the fin, which is revealing a 10 foot Great White below the surface?

After much study, I definitely think so! I believe the foot washing was a parable in action. And this morning I'd like to point out two profound truths that this symbolic event communicated. However, by way of introduction, let's briefly examine the "what" before we examine the "why."

Last week we learned that Jesus had just finished His public ministry (Jn. 12:36). Though few believed, Jesus was successful; having accomplished all that the Father had given Him thus far. Having left the multitudes, our Savior now went private with His disciples to prepare them for the challenges that were ahead following His departure. With the exception of a few words spoken to those who arrested Him and those who examined Him, every word off the lips of Jesus from now on would be addressed to His followers. Chapters 13-17, commonly called the "Upper Room" or "Farewell" Discourses, all takes place during the evening of the Lord's Supper, the same night Jesus would experience His betrayal (ch. 18). After delivering this large section of magnificent instruction, the Savior would be "lifted up" on the cross within 12-18 hours.

Verses 1-3 of chapter 13 indicate that the Jewish Passover was at hand. During this significant festival, Jesus would die as the true Passover Lamb to be sacrificed for the sin of the world. In relation to this, verse 1 indicates that Jesus knew His "hour" had come. The appointed time for His sacrificial death had arrived. He knew that one of His inner 12 was about to betray Him. Judas had made his heart readily available to be used as putty in the hands of the devil (verse 2). These verses also teach of the profound love that Jesus had for His own. Verse 1 says He faithfully "loved them to the end" (NASB) or He "showed them the full extent of his love" (NIV), depending on your translation. And we'll see throughout these chapters that the overriding theme in the Upper Room up to the cross was Christ's love for His disciples. We'll witness how the Lord's love was genuine and sacrificial, bestowed purely out of His grace and not conditioned by human performance.

Verses 4 and 5 say, "(Jesus) got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

Understanding the cultural background at this point is crucial. Since most during this time wore sandals and traveled great distances by foot on dusty roads, it was customary to have one's feet washed upon entry to a home. Often this expected responsibility (Lk. 7:44-46) was assigned to a menial servant, since it represented one of the most demeaning tasks to the Israelite. The act was so degrading that some ancient texts I read this week necessitated a Jewish master to require it only of their Gentile slaves.

1. THE REALITY OF SPIRITUAL CLEANSING

So as we embark on the first point, what was so significant about this foot washing? What reality did this startling event attempt to communicate to the disciples? What is the "why" behind the "what?"

First of all it symbolized the saving and cleansing power of the cross. In other words, it anticipated the Lord's sacrificial giving of Himself for our salvation, whereby His blood would cleanse us from all guilt and sin. Let me see if I can explain this from two perspectives: one from verses 4-5 and another from verses 6-11.

Verses 4 and 5 say, "(Jesus) got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

I found it interesting to note the amount of detail that John includes in these verses. I don't want to read too much into the text, but I believe the meticulous explanation is intended to point to the incarnation and subsequent crucifixion. Verse 4 says, He "got up from supper." The meal was presently being enjoyed by all who came. In the same way, Jesus departed from the fellowship that He was presently enjoying with the Father (Jn. 13:3) to take on human flesh and tarry among us (Jn. 1:14). Verse 4 says He "laid aside His garments." This means Jesus removed His outer clothing and humbled Himself in nothing but the loincloth of a slave. In the same way, Jesus emptied Himself. He set aside His glory that He enjoyed from the foundation of the world (Jn. 17:5, 24). Verse 4 says He "(took) a towel (and) He girded Himself. Jesus took a towel and wrapped it around His waist as a slave or menial servant. In the same way, Jesus came not to be served but to serve by dying in our place on the cross (Jn. 13:14). He came as our Servant. Finally, verse 5 says He "poured water into the basin." This was the final ingredient necessary to prepare for His act of foot washing. In the same way, Jesus poured out His blood at Calvary in order to wash away our sins (Rev. 7:14).

When we consider all this, compare John's words with Paul's teaching in Philippians. "Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:6-8).

Well, if this symbolism wasn't striking to you, allow the Spirit to convince you with the remaining six verses.

Verse 6, "So He (Jesus) came to Simon Peter. He (Peter) said to Him, 'Lord, do You wash my feet?'" You can imagine the disciples were stunned, shocked and embarrassed by the humiliating actions of Jesus. After all, the King of kings and the Lord of lords is the last one who should be washing feet! Though the other disciples were silent regarding their emotions, leave it to the outspoken Peter to once again speak on behalf of the crew. Using two very emphatic pronouns placed in sharp contrast, Peter replied, "Are You going to wash my feet? Unfortunately Peter's apparent humility is actually cloaked ignorance since he was unaware of the Lord's purpose, and arrogance since he thought he knew what was more appropriate. This is brought out in our Lord's gentle rebuke in verse 7. "Jesus answered and said to him, 'What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.'"

Unfortunately, it went in one ear and out the other. In the beginning of verse 8, "Peter said to Him, 'Never shall You wash my feet!'" Despite the promise from Jesus in verse 7, Peter could not get beyond acceptable societal practices. Once again he vigorously protested. Like in Pilgrim's Progress, his ignorance is closely followed by obstinacy.

Jesus answered him (in the latter half of verse 8), "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Here's the meaning behind the symbolism! Here's where Jesus explains that there is more to His actions than meet the eye. Imagine Jesus saying, "Peter, it's not about a literal foot washing. It's not even about Me trying to force upon you some false humility. It's about letting Me humbly serve you. It's about letting Me pursue the shame of the cross on your behalf. It's about letting My blood wash away all your sin. Peter, if you will have nothing to do with My love and grace, if you seek to push Me aside, you will have no part with Me."

Whether or not Peter understood the deep implications of this truth, he responded in His typical forthright and unrestrained fashion. When Peter heard that having Jesus was contingent upon having his feet washed, he swung to the other extreme. In verse 9 He said, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." In other words, "Lord, if it means being with You, do whatever it takes. Wash every part of me. Give me a full bath if it makes me more assured of Your presence!"

Origen, the early church father from the first century shared the same sentiment. "Jesus, my feet are dirty. Come even as a slave to me, pour water into Your bowl, come and wash my feet. In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when You said to me, 'If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.' Wash my feet then, because I long for Your companionship" (Worship in the Early Church, Christian History, Issue 37).

Jesus, always in control, said to Peter in verse 10, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean." In other words, "Slow down Peter. If you took a bath in the morning, you don't need another bath in the evening if only your feet are dusty. Such an action would be superfluous. Just your feet are dirty. You only need to have your feet washed again. In the same way, Peter, you are spiritually clean. You are My child. You have already been washed in my anticipated sacrifice. 'You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you' (Jn. 15:3). But Peter, you still sin every day. And you will need a daily cleansing by coming to Me for ongoing forgiveness."

In other words beloved, being born-again, being adopted, being recreated, being regenerated, can occur only once in the believer's life. We do not need to be repeatedly saved. Either we have Christ or we don't. Either our sins are forgiven or they're not. The second we place our faith in Jesus all of our sins, past, present and future are removed due to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. We are forever completely cleansed by His blood. John in his epistle said, "And the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7). Titus calls this a "washing of regeneration" (Tit. 3:5). William Cowper, the great hymn-writer from the eighteenth century once wrote, "There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel's veins. And sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains." When we are in Christ we are "completely clean" in the eyes of God. Or if I can put this in the words of Christ, "We don't need a second bath."

But even as believers we still sin. 1 John 1:8-9 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Though all of our sins are forgiven and God will never forsake us, due to our daily sin we still need a daily cleansing to repair any breach in our fellowship with God. Or if I can put this again in the words of Christ, "We need to have only our feet washed because they are constantly getting dirty."

The main point Jesus was making through the symbolic foot washing was that His humble sacrifice of service would provide complete cleansing for all sin once and for all for those who place their faith in Him. That's why He said at the end of verse 10, "You are clean, but not all of you." The "you" is plural, meaning eleven of the disciples had been cleansed, but one was still spiritually dirty and his name was Judas. Look at verse 11. "For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, 'Not all of you are clean.'"

2. THE REALITY OF HUMBLE SERVICE

So the theological application of the foot washing was to show how the Suffering Servant would humble Himself and die a sacrificial death on the cross whereby His blood would cleanse His children from sin once and for all. But (as we move to the second point) the foot-washing episode also had a practical application.

Beginning in verse 12, "So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you'" (Jn. 13:12-15).

The church has greatly erred throughout the centuries when it comes to the study of theology. Some have argued that it is not important. Others have overemphasized theology as the highest pursuit, an end to itself. The study of theology is crucial, but the study of theology must always lead to practical application. As James said, "Prove yourselves doers of the word." Jesus put it this was in verse 15, "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

Why do we study the character and deeds of Jesus Christ? One so that we are better able to praise and appreciate Him, but two because we are called to emulate Him where applicable. So many times Jesus has said to the effect, "Now that you have seen Me, go and do likewise." For example, as Jesus denied Himself for us, we are to deny ourselves for Him (Mk. 8:34). As Jesus carried our cross, we are to carry His cross (Lk. 14:27). As Jesus loves us, we are to love one another (Jn. 13:34; 15:12). And as in this case as Jesus humbled Himself by washing feet, we too are to pursue a life of humility (Jn. 13:15).

I've already mentioned how degrading the task of foot washing was (see 1 Sam. 25:41). I've already mentioned how shocked the disciples were to see their Master remove His outer garment and tend to their dirty feet. But I have not mentioned what was most likely occurring just before Jesus donned the basin and the towel.

According to Luke 22 a dispute arose on this same night amongst the disciples "as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest" (Lk. 22:24). Just hours before Jesus would be suspended upon the cross, His disciples were arguing in His presence as to who was the greatest. No doubt they were also jockeying for the positions of power (c.f. Mt. 20:21), fighting to sit on the immediate right and left side of Jesus at dinner.

Could it be during this time that Jesus silently got up from the table, wrapped the towel around His waist, poured some water in the bowl and began to wash their filthy feet? I can imagine the place going silent. I can imagine the look on these guys' faces, as they were humiliated, not only by the Lord's actions, but also by His actions in response to their comments. They were concerned with self and being served, but Jesus was concerned with humility and serving others. Kent Hughes said, "They were willing to fight for the throne, but no one wanted the towel" (Hughes, John, 315).

Earlier Jesus told His disciples, "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Mt. 20:26-27; c.f. 23:1-7). In other words, "Men, it's not about worldly standards of authority in My Kingdom. It's about humbling yourself, and serving, and considering others more important. It's about descending to greatness. For in My kingdom, the first will be last and the last will be first."

And if Jesus as "Teacher and Lord" (Jn. 13:13-14) modeled this principle, how much more should we follow His example, an example of foot washing that He has commanded to all His children? In verse 15 He said, "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

Now the question we all want answered at this point: "Does Jesus expect His church to literally wash feet to fulfill this commandment?" In other words, is foot washing a third ordinance (if you will) in addition to baptism and the Lord's Supper? I believe the answer is "no."

John Mitchell answers this question well. "Jesus has washed the feet of Peter who will deny Him, of Thomas who will doubt Him, and of Judas who will betray Him. He has more in mind here than an ordinance of foot washing. I have no argument against those who claim we should have literal foot washing services. If you feel you should do that, that's between you and the Lord. I think, however, that the Lord has a far greater matter before us here" (Mitchell, An Everlasting Love: A Devotional Study of the Gospel of John, pg. 253-254).

Here are five reasons why I believe Jesus is not commanding a literal foot washing. First of all, the action is not commanded or practiced in Acts, the epistles (possible exception: 1Tim. 5:10) or any extra-biblical document of the early church. Second, foot washing was a cultural practice specifically applicable to the first century. Since we are unfamiliar with the meaning of the action and the humility associated with it, literal foot washing has lost its impact. Third, if we undertake a literal foot washing we will miss the heart of Christ's command. Our actions will become a mere religious fulfillment of the flesh. We will think that once we have met this obligation, we will have attained Christ's standard of humility. Simply put, a literal foot washing would make the commandment too easy. Fourth, in verse 15, Jesus, did not say to do "what He did." Rather we are called to do "as He did." We are not called to follow His literal act of foot washing. We are called to follow His "example" of humility. Fifth, if we knew our feet were to be washed every Sunday morning, they'd be the cleanest part of our body once we arrive in this sanctuary. I'd be wearing "odor eaters" all week. I'd have stock in "athlete's foot" remedies. And my toenails would be clipped to perfection! And you would too! And we'd all miss the spirit behind this command!

Since we are not called to emulate a literal foot washing (not that this would be sinful if someone felt led to do so), we fulfill this command by serving one another in the body of Christ… through a spirit of humility. We need to realize that no act of menial service should be beneath us. Jesus has called us to one of the highest standards of Christian conduct that marks us out from the rest of the world. He has raised the bar so high on this one that we must fully depend on the supernatural power of His Spirit to succeed. And when we do succeed by His grace, we demonstrate to others the extent of His power, which works mightily within us. And the more humility we exhibit (not that we are to be proud of our humility!), the more grace we receive. For the Scriptures boldly declare, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). And further as Spurgeon said, "The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own estimation. Not because he is comparing himself with people, but because he is comparing himself with the Lord God." Bottom line: God is forever seeking to make us more humble people for the display of His glory.

So, with all this said, how can we fulfill the command to "wash one another's feet" in the body of Christ. Let me humbly provide some examples:

  • When you come to church to serve and not to be served.

  • When you befriend those who are outside your "inner circle"

  • When church unity takes greater priority than personal satisfaction.

  • When you invest yourself to disciple another believer in the Lord.

  • When you love the "unlovable" (remember, Jesus washed Judas' feet too!).

  • When you minister to another who needs encouragement.

  • When you open your home to strangers within the church.

  • When you can love and believe the best in those who hurt your feelings.

  • When you are willing to seek and grant forgiveness.

  • When you return good for evil.

  • When you are willing to serve in a non-glorified, under appreciated and unnoticed position.

  • When you willingly step down from a ministry because there is someone more talented and gifted waiting in the wings.

  • When you can rejoice to see another ministry like yours increasing while yours is decreasing.

  • When you serve expecting nothing in return.

  • When you joyfully submit to the spiritual authority God places over you at whatever level without complaining and grumbling.

  • When you pray both individually and corporately on Wednesday night for others in this church.

  • When you can go without to see someone else's financial needs met.

  • When you confess your sins to one another.

  • When you enjoy to be treated as a servant.

  • When you visit someone in jail or in the hospital or in the nursing home.

  • When you go out of your way to drive someone to church.

  • When you make it your ambition to assist ministries rather than critique them.

  • When you humbly allow others to "wash your feet."

  • When you are desirous to see all the praise and glory for your actions directed toward God.

Maybe I should phrase the question like this: "When was the last time you really sacrificed for someone in this body by doing an act at your own expense, desiring to bring no attention to yourself and expecting nothing in return?" Or, "When was the last time you have done anything remotely similar to what Christ did for His disciples in the Upper Room?"

No doubt the calling is high, but we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead working at our disposal. We have His kindness and His love and His humility and His compassion and His strength working through us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. We also have the example of Jesus Christ who served us and sacrificially went to the cross on our behalf to wash away our guilt and sin by His blood. And when we truly perceive our need and understand what Jesus lovingly did on our behalf, overwhelming gratitude for our spiritual deliverance is the motivation necessary to obey His commandments. We too will desire to act as He did by washing the feet of those within His body. Such a Christlike, Spirit-filled, God-dependent life of sincere humility truly brings great glory to God by magnifying His power. I believe it takes more power to see us "wash each other's feet" than it did for Moses to divide the Red Sea. But our awesome God does not glorify Himself without bringing great blessing to us as well. For the Savior said in verse 17, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them."


More in John

May 9, 2004

The Priority of A Disciple

May 2, 2004

From Fishermen To Shepherds

April 25, 2004

Fishing For Men