The Roman Catholic Church has seven sacraments which include baptism, confirmation, the Lord’s Supper, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and matrimony. Most Baptist churches only observe two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Some such as the Grace Brethren observe a third ordinance of foot washing based on Jesus command in John 13:14: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” I have heard it argued that foot washing cannot be an ordinance for the New Testament church because it is not repeated in the Epistles. Foot washing, however, is mentioned in the Epistles in reference to widows worthy of support in 1 Timothy 5:10. About these widows it is said that they “have washed the saints feet.” In 1 Timothy 5, Paul is not talking about the observance of an ordinance but the qualification of widows for help from the local church.
The argument against foot washing being an ordinance must come from the text of John 13. More than instituting another ordinance, Christ was setting an example of humility for the proud disciples who were arguing at the Last Supper, “which of them should be accounted the greatest.” Christ rebuked His arguing disciples by saying, “For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? Is not he that sits meant? But I am among you as he that serves.”
Christ’s disciples apparently they were unwilling to wash each other’s feet because of pride at the Last Passover (Luke 22:24-27). Christ, who humbled Himself as Phil. 2:5-10 teaches and added to His form of God the form of a servant, washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility. This example of humility was never forgotten by one of the disciples whose feet Jesus washed. Later the Peter would pass the example of humility learned at the Last Passover to others in 1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” Peter never mentioned foot washing as an ordinance and 1 Peter 5:5 would have been the perfect time and place to do so.
“Only in the most general way does our Lord’s washing of his disciples’ feet signify his redemptive activity. It is much more likely that his washing of his disciples was intended as an example of humility to teach them (and us) that Christians should be ready, in lifelong service to him, to perform the most menial service for others” (Robert Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, page 920).
I do not see foot-washing as wrong , however, to put it on the same level as the Lord’s Supper and Baptism is quite a stretch. We see quite clearly that baptism and the Lord’s Supper is a foundation of the early church but when you look for the same dedication in regards to foot-washing you simply do not find it. It would seem that if Christ meant for this to be an ordinance on the same level as baptism and the Lord’s supper the early church would have practiced it on the same level.
I think you brought up a very good point about the pattern of the church and their practice of foot-washing. I have never heard of foot-washing as an ordinance before this, and it was a little confusing; however I agree that if Christ had meant it to be practiced as an ordinance with the same dedication as we have to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, then there would have been alot more mention of it being practiced in the New Testament Church. Thanks for your insight!
As mentioned above there were several places that foot-washing could have been discussed further but God chose to leave it out when He put His Word together. It seems to be an obvious teaching moment with His disciples.
Although I have never heard of foot-washing being practiced as an ordinance, I have always appreciated this passage for the example of humility and servant-leadership that Christ sets in it. From my understanding, foot-washing was one of the lowest tasks a person could do; people traveled on foot by dirt roads, and I’m sure the task was less than pleasant. To think of the Savior of the world bending over a dirty, sweaty foot and washing it, when he deserved this service more than anyone just strikes me with conviction at the pride I can have in “service”. I can’t imagine how that moment must have affected the disciples. It was a perfect example of a servant-leader. I think Dr. White brought out a great point in stating that 1 Peter 5:5 would have presented a wonderful opportunity to stress the importance of foot-washing as an ordinance had it been intended to be practiced as one.
My best friend growing up was Mennonite – a very selfless and humble group of believers. This particular fellowship believed in eternal security, which is usually one of the main incorrect doctrines of the Mennonite Church. Anyway, they also practice foot-washing as an ordinance. I remember the Pastor explaining the purpose of this in very much the same way as the Brethren Pastor in the above reply. Their reasoning is that Jesus taught it by example in the exact same way as he did baptism and the Lord’s Supper (at the Last Supper). I anxiously asking my dad (a Baptist Pastor) if we could be wrong in regularly taking part in this practice, and he brought up the very same point as Dr. White…it was not repeated in the Epistles as instruction to the N.T. Churches in the same way the two ordinances we practice were. I believe it is not a wrong thing to do…as a exercise in humility and remembrance; however, I’m convinced that it is not an ordinance for us to follow in the Church Age.
This is an interesting point and I appreciate the perspective and warmth our brother Burke brings to the discussion. Obviously, we are both part of a heritage of dissenters and likewise have set ourselves to the task of shaping our practice on the basis of God’s Word. We are similar in this way as well as our appreciation for the Gospel. I am also glad this matter comes up because I think we as Baptists are reluctant to practice foot washing lest other Baptists think we are less-Baptist and becoming something else. Perhaps in our push to maintain our distinctive practice of two ordinances, we have overlooked a powerful object lesson. Perhaps the leadership of our churches should practice this on occasion to demonstrate their obedience as under-shepherds.
Foot-washing is a powerful picture of humility. I do not see anything wrong with the practice today. However, I do not believe that it is an ordinance that is required of the church. Jesus did not institute foot-washing with a command as He did Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an example of humility for them to follow.
Foot washing is not an ordinance of the church nor is it found in Scripture to be one. It is a mere illustration of what we as followers of Christ are to do to one another in Christian love for each other. We are to serve and help each other, just as Christ came to serve and not be served.
I have never seen foot washing practiced in a church setting before. I have however seen it done at two very different weddings before. At these two weddings the couples wanted to publically demonstrate in front of friends and family, their desire to be servants to each other. As mentioned in the blog, there would have been plenty of opportunities for the Bible to speak about foot washing more and yet it never really did. I personally do not see foot washing as an ordinance but an example of servant leadership and humility.
It would be neat to see that at a wedding. The implications of such an act are so deep and beautiful. I would like to see more foot washing in the church. It would be slightly awkward sure, but what a testamony of how much Christ loves us and how entirely humble He is.
Foot-washing? I think it was more of a suggestion than a command. I have never seen it done, or have I ever experienced it personally. Unlike the ordinances of baptism, and the Lords supper, Christ was showing humility. A servant example.
I would agree with what the others are saying that it is not an ordinance but rather an example of humilty. I have a friend whose church does, on occasion, practice foot washing. I don’t believe that ther is anything wrong with it or that it makes them any less spiritual. I have never done it myself but I can imagine that it certainly would be a humbling experience. Unfrotunately, there are some churches today that could a little practice in humilty.
First of all, there are problems with the issue of sacraments, in that they are perceived to convey grace, as opposed to ordinances, which are symbolic. Also, on the issue of the washing of feet, I agree that it is an example of humility. This example can be shown in different ways today, but it is important to note that this is an example of humility, not a Church ordinance.
Before today I had never heard that foot washing was considered and ordinance by anyone. I can see how one would be confused with Jesus saying for us to do likewise. However, the principle of humility in Jesus’ actions should always be at the forfront of our actions. This foot washing that Jesus did always causes me to evaluate where my own humility level is at.
I heard a story of a pastor that was having major issues in the church. and his deacons were hounding him on every little issue about everything and the church was going to split. So the pastor had an idea, and one sunday morning service he called his deacons all to sit up front and got down on his knees and he began to wash their feet! the same people that were trying to kick him out of the church. Humility is the point that foot washing is trying to get across its not an ordinance. It was never mentioned again in the NT after Christ did it
I think one needs to remember what an ordinance is before deliberating this subject. An ordinance is a commanded (by Christ) physical activity done to symbolize a spiritual truth of Christ. We have commandments to baptize and partake in the Lord’s Supper. But do we have a similar command to wash each other’s feet? No. we also do not see the early church making this a regular activity.