GIVE ME THAT OLDE TIME REGILION

John 13:1-15

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, 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. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Those that observe foot washing do so on the basis of the preceeding scripture, believeing that it is an authoritative example and command of Jesus.

Foot washing is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 18:4, and then again in verses 19:2, 24:32, 43:24. It is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 25:41, the above scripture and then in 1 Timothy 5:10.

The custom of washing feet is believed to have come about because of the dusty and dirty conditions of the regions these people lived in. Sandals were the main foot ware at the time and thus the washing of feet was necessary. At the time of the Bible peers did not wash the feet of another, except on the rarest of occasions and as a mark of great love or respect.

In Luke 22:24 Luke points out that the disciples were arguing amongst themselves who was the greatest of them, so none was willing to wash their feet. When Jesus started to wash their feet, they were shocked. Jesus in this act was showing humility and teaching a lesson of selfless service that was exemplified by His death on the cross. His actions serve as a symbol of spiritual cleanings.

We have records of foot washing dating back to as early as A.D. 380 by the church in Milan. Many churches observed foot washing in connection with communion, and some had the custom of washing the feet of visiting ministers. It was a part of the 16^th century radical reformation and was also rediscovered or restored in revivals that were trying to recreate the faith and practices of the apostolic era.

History shows that foot washing has at times been practiced in connection with baptism, at times on separate occasions, but mostly in connection with the Lord’s Supper.

From experience I believe that washing the feet of another is one of the most humbling things a person can do for another. Many churches today have always practiced foot washing, and many are bringing it back into their services.

Are we not commanded to follow His example? Are we in any way better then Christ that we should not wash the feet of others? Do we have enough pride to bend at the knee and wash the feet of others? John 12:26 "No servant is greater than his master."

God Bless,

rECj/LJG