Comments on: Different Views on Baptism, Part Two: Foot Washing

By: Ethan Meadows

Ethan Meadows — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:02:33 +0000

I like the way Justin put it as a great picture of humility. My pastor did that one of his first Sundays after taking on at this current church and it was the first time I had ever seen that in a service. It blew me away! But again, it is just a picture of humility and a great example to follow but never recognized in scripture as an ordinance.

By: James Kinder

James Kinder — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:15:58 +0000

I think that a case can easily be made for the existence of foot-washing as an ordinance. Saying that it cannot be an ordinance because it isn’t mentioned in the epistles is not a strong point at all. That is an arbitrary standard set by man and not by God. Some of our doctrines (like the Trinity, and regeneration) are mentioned very scarcely in the Bible, so it wouldn’t seem much of a stretch to say that even though Jesus only commanded us one time to wash each others’ feet, that we should take him at his word. I don’t think it is a shut-out case either way, but I am curious as to why this isn’t debated more hotly.

By: Theresa Taddeo

Theresa Taddeo — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:52:46 +0000

Foot washing is a great symbol of humility and Christian love toward others. Although is not an ordinance at Christ commanded, it is an act that Christ did and therefore it should be something at we do in the church. With that I mean in know way to make it an ordinance, but I do feel it is a great symbol of humility and great way to show someone that you are serious about your commitments.
For example when I was the president of the youth group, we organized a foot washing evening. It was so powerful to see people forgive others and humble themselves. It was a much-needed evening for the whole group. Lives were change and people were forgiven.

By: Brian G. Robinson

Brian G. Robinson — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:39:19 +0000

“…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 like the quote of this tehologian concerning footwashing. I do not believe that the Lord meant for footwashing to be an ordinance of the church. I do believe that this humble act of Christ was simply a lesson for his disciples who did not always show a heart of humility. Our Lord wanted to demonstrate to them just how important humility was in the sight of the Father. If the Lord meant for this to be an ordinance of the church, would He not have emphatically stated so?

By: Brian G. Robinson

Brian G. Robinson — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:33:39 +0000

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 like this quote, because it seems to relate to what I think Christ meant by performing this act of humility. I believe the Lord wnated to show His disciples what God really expets from His servants:humility. Without humility, God is not pleased with our sevrice, because if we are not humble we demonstarte the worng kind of heart, which is pride. The disciples wee looking for honor from God and they thought the best way was to sit on either side of His throne. However, Jesus confounded them by this humble act of service. I believe this act sets the tone of what the Lord realy desires from us.

By: Brett Kitko

Brett Kitko — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:53:02 +0000

Honestly, I cannot truly see the benefit of having foot washing be an ordinance within the church. I do see it as a humbling experience, but not something that the church would necessarily need to experience as a congregational ordinance on an ongoing basis. I think that it is extremely important for us to experience humility in multiple ways within the church, as well as within our Christian lives, but am not certain that such an act could teach humility in this day and age.

By: Mike Dorsey

Mike Dorsey — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:54:25 +0000

John 13:9-11 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”

I believe that the teaching was about the humility of His disciples. They were privaledged individuals that got to walk and talk with our Lord for 3 years. They had not seen this side of Christ, that had put on perfect humility. Even we would have cringed if Christ had tried to wash our feet. A secondary line of thought is also playing out. There is the statement by Peter to wash all of him. Christ stops him and states that he has been fully cleansed, he just needs to knock off the dust of the day. I would say that this refers to our need to ask for daily forgiveness of sins and shortcomings. Even though we are Christians we need forgiveness from occasional sins.

By: Krystle Matthews

Krystle Matthews — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:51:27 +0000

I’m not sure if foot washing should be an ordinance or not, but i do believe we should be ready to humble ourselves enough that we should be prepared to serve in ways we never expected. And you have to be completely humble to be able to wash someone’s feet. This was considered the lowest of the lows. Christ did it, though this would be a very hard service to bare, i believe it could serve as an amazing tool to show our God’s love and humility.

By: Karleigh Benedict

Karleigh Benedict — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:53:36 +0000

I do not believe that foot washing is an ordinance in the church. Scripture does not include anywhere that is to be equaled with baptism and the Lord’s supper. However, I think there is something to be said for the practice. I think we would do well to use foot washing more often as an illustration of humility. Having been a part of a foot washing before, it is not only humbling for the washer, but for the one being washed–the idea that someone would stoop and bow themselves literally that low to be of service is so humbling and makes you want to serve them in as well. I love seeing it done at weddings as a symbol of the commitment to serve one another in marriage. It really is a beautiful illustration and can have a place in the lives of Christians and the Church…just not as an ordinance.

By: Justin Stroup

Justin Stroup — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:19:43 +0000

This is an interesting concept. Foot washing? as an ordinance? I would agree with Caitlin including foot washing in a service to show humility as Christ did is powerful but to place this action as a church ordinance is all but biblical. There is no mention of it in the church as an ordinance, it is simply a great picture of Humility and also a great way to not tick off your friends when coming in their house seeing as how it was part of culture.