Ordinance of Footwashing

Jesus instituted the ordinance of footwashing as a preparation for participation in the Lord’s Supper. It’s in the Bible, John 13:4, 5, 12-17, TLB. “So he [Jesus] got up from the supper table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his loins, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him. . . . After washing their feet he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, ‘Do you understand what I was doing? You call me “Master” and “Lord,” and you do well to say it, for it is true. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow: do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than his master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends him. You know these things—now do them! That is the path of blessing.’ ”

The ordinance of footwashing was designed to teach the disciples (and us) humility and to serve others. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 20:25-28, NIV. “Jesus called them [the disciples] together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ ”