Subject: Explanations of difficult verses |
Bible Note: What does foot washing have to do with being saved? Jesus washed his disciples feet to show humility. How would you feel if the son of God Almighty removed your dirty sandals and washed your filthy feet. Pretty small I would bet. But he did this because that is the type of behavior he expects out of his followers. Do not get so wrapped up in the act itself but behind the purpose. This applies to foot washing as well as baptism. In those days people wore sandals, they walked in unpaved dirt roads. I would hazard a guess that the climate was hot at times, causing sweat, which in turn would cause the road dust to stick to their feet. Foot washing was a common practice of a host towards his guests. John 13:12 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? 13 "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. The purpose or principle Jesus is teaching here is humility towards your fellow man (vs 16). The purpose or principle taught in baptism is obedience through faith to the God who said it must be done (too many passages to list). Does anybody else think that Jesus is teaching his disciples how to wash feet? Or is there something of a spiritual nature to be learned here? |