Cultural differences, expressed in words or even in symbols and gestures, can be completely misunderstood. In this passage we will look at a practice that is foreign to our culture today: foot washing.
This is an ancient practice, based on dirt roads and sandals, not paved roads and private cars. We simply don’t wash each other’s feet today.
Yet, Jesus says in John 13:14, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
(Read passage, John 13:1-17)
Subject: What should we do with “foot washing” today?
Allen led us through a look at the foot washing in Chapter 12, and here we see another detailed account of the practice. Why do you suppose the Holy Ghost led John to record this event when the other gospel writers didn’t? Matthew, Mark and Luke tell of this meal and include some of the conversations, but don’t mention the foot washing at all.
We have learned that John wrote of Jesus’ seven “Sign Miracles” - miraculous events that changed peoples lives, but that also pointed to the larger issues of Jesus and His messianic ministry. I would like to address His washing of the disciples feet as a “Sign Ministry”. Jesus was indeed teaching his men a lesson about humility and love (only women had washed His feet to this point!) , but there was also a larger lesson that they would only understand later. This was a Sign Ministry”.
I’d like to whet your appetite for what this greater messianic lesson might be.
Let’s look at Peter’s interjection into the event: (Read 13: 6-11)
Jesus says, “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” (v. 7)
He didn’t mean in a few minutes either; John 13:28, 16:31 and even Acts 1:6 indicate that the disciples still don’t fully understand His mission and ministry.
By “thou shalt know hereafter” I believe Jesus meant they would know when the Holy Ghost came to teach them all things. Fortunately, this is where we are today, able to be taught of the Spirit.
To prime the pump, as it were, here are a three pointers:
- Twice John mentions that Jesus knew He was returning to the Father. This (and the required betrayal) is clearly on Jesus' mind throughout this passage. He knew He was returning to the Father. In what capacity? I believe this is part of the concealed aspect of the foot washing.
- There was another teaching about dirt and feet and being rid of the dust of a place. “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matt 10:14
- Whatever else Jesus intended, He directed his disciples to minister to each other, not to him directly, nor to the outside world.
Now, back to the practical matter at hand. If actually washing each other’s feet isn’t a help or comfort anymore, what are we to make of this passage? What are modern-day equivalents to washing on another's feet? What practical application is there for us today?
When Jesus said, “that ye should do as I have done unto you“ (v. 15) the Greek term for “as” indicates a similarity of intent (similar to his example in humility, in love) not similar in action (i.e., wash top-to-bottom, left-then right). (Credit to John MacArthur for the Greek lesson).
Jesus expounds on His example of ministry toward the end of the chapter:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.“ John 13: 34, 35
Seek the Lord this week for practical, visible ways we can show His love to each other. We can share our testimonies next week, Lord willing.
Background:
Foot Washing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing
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