Spiritual Significance Of Feet Washing
Feet washing is a spiritual practice that is often overlooked. We don’t think much about our feet, but God does—and He wants us to wash each other’s feet as an act of service and love. By honoring this ordinance we are reminded that even the lowliest parts of ourselves need to be washed and cleansed if we are going to serve God in spirit, mind and body.
Feet washing was customary among the Jews before partaking of the Passover.
Feet washing was customary among the Jews before partaking of the Passover.
In fact, John 13:12-16 tells us that Jesus washed his disciples feet and then gave them a lesson on humility. He said:
‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you…’
Jesus also showed them how we should serve each other as well by serving as servants (John 13:14).
Feet washing is also for the purpose of sanctification.
Feet washing is also for the purpose of sanctification. This is how we become more like Christ. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives and be made holy by God (1 Peter 1:15-16). There are two types of sanctification: positional and progressive. Positional sanctification refers to our position before God when we receive Christ as Savior and Lord; it cannot be added to or taken away from (2 Corinthians 5:17). Progressive sanctification refers to the process by which God removes sin from our lives so that we can function as children of God should—as Jesus did—and live a life that glorifies Him (Philippians 3:12-14; Romans 8:29-30).
The feet need to be washed.
Feet are the most neglected part of the body. This can be seen in many different cultures, where people will tend to walk barefoot or in sandals outside and rarely wash their feet. Even at home, many people do not take the time to wash their feet before bed, or even after walking around outside in a pair of shoes all day.
We often hear warnings about how dirty our hands are and how we should wash them frequently throughout the day, but rarely do we think about our feet being equally as dirty as they touch surfaces all day long.
The feet need to be washed because they have been defiled by coming in contact with dirt and filth.
In the Bible, Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples. This act served as a symbol for the spiritual cleansing that Christians have been granted by God in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). It demonstrates that we are forgiven and purified by faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, it is also possible to interpret this act as being symbolic of physical washing and hygiene as well.
The feet need to be washed because they have been defiled by coming into contact with dirt and filth. Feet can become dirty during everyday tasks such as walking through mud or stepping on insects or animal feces—thus making them unfit for worship at church services where you will be standing inside a building filled with hundreds of people who could potentially get sick from bacteria on your shoes!
Feet washing is an ordinance given by God to His people.
Feet washing is an ordinance given by God to His people. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a sign of his love for them, and he did so as an example of how we should serve each other (John 13:1-17). In addition, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a way of teaching us the importance of humility.
As you read this passage, consider how it applies to your life today. How can you show love to others? How can you treat people with dignity and respect?
Feet washing is not a top down affair.
While feet washing is practiced in many churches, it is not a top down affair. Feet washing should be a bottom up affair. In other words, the feet of Christ are washed by His disciples and their feet are washed by others, including those who serve them. This practice of mutuality is part of what makes this ritual so healing and empowering for Christians.
It’s not uncommon for people who are in positions of authority or power to ask others to wash their feet because they feel that doing so will bring them closer to God than anyone else could possibly get them. But this isn’t how it works! It’s easy enough to see how this might happen: if you’re in charge—say, an employer or an elder—you might believe that your authority gives birth to all kinds of spiritual wisdom and insight into God’s will on earth (even though Jesus said otherwise). However, we need more than just authority; we need humility as well! And humility doesn’t come from being above everyone else; it comes from being at their level with them!
We must wash each other’s feet in order to please God
We must wash each other’s feet in order to please God. It is a sign of humility, service and love. Feet washing is an act of submission. It shows respect for another person and friendship.
The Bible says that if we love others then we should wash their feet (Jn 13:1-17). Washing one another’s feet means that our actions speak louder than words; it shows what we truly think about someone else by how willing we are to serve them in this way.
We agree with what God says in His Word. If we are to please Him, then we must wash each other’s feet. This is an important aspect of showing love for one another as it shows humility on our part.