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

By: Dean Lentini

Dean Lentini — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:09:32 +0000

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.

By: Stephen Lackey

Stephen Lackey — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:48:23 +0000

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

By: Jana Rockensock

Jana Rockensock — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:09:28 +0000

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.

By: Jana Rockensock

Jana Rockensock — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:06:19 +0000

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.

By: Brant Gordon

Brant Gordon — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:26:09 +0000

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.

By: Michael Russell

Michael Russell — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:09:43 +0000

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.

By: paul krukoski

paul krukoski — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:23:55 +0000

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.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:30:48 +0000

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.

By: Paul Parido

Paul Parido — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:30:01 +0000

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.

By: Wayne Moore

Wayne Moore — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:15:14 +0000

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.