Footwashing as an Ordinance
In John 13:117, the footwashing of the apostles takes place during the Last Supper, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet. This moment marks a tremendous show of humility and servanthood by Christ, prompting even Peter to question Him with alarm. Christ simply affirms the necessity of service. Today, the question of whether footwashing should be considered an ordinance of the Church, alongside baptism and the Lords Supper, is an interesting one that deserves some consideration.
In John 13, Jesus, the Master and Teacher, humbles Himself by washing the feet of His disciples, which is an act usually performed by servants.[footnoteRef:1] Peter initially objects, seeing this task as beneath the Messiah, but Jesus responds by saying, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me (John 13:8). This statement seems to indicate a deeper spiritual meaning to the act, beyond just physical cleanliness. Jesus also commands the disciples to follow His example: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15). [1: Kstenberger, Andreas. Encountering John. Nashville: Lifeway, 2013.]
Footwashing here is symbolic of the service to which the apostles are to dedicate themselves. Jesus actions point toward His ultimate act of humility and service on the cross, where He would wash away the sins of humanity. It is interesting that He does this act of washing, though, first with the apostles before teaching...
…emphasize the spiritual lesson behind the act but do not mandate footwashing as a recurring liturgical practice. Catholics, for instance, re-enact the footwashing of the 12 on Holy Thursday once a year and that is all.
It thus appears that footwashing is a demonstration of humility and a call to serve others. It is a practice whose main idea is central to the Christian message and tradition but not to the sacramental distribution of grace. It does not appear that footwashing was ever intended to be a universal ordinance like baptism or the Lords Supper. Rather, it is an example of how Christians are called to live out their faith in service to one another, in humility and care for…
