The washing of the disciples’ feet only appeared once in the 4 Gospel books, but it has great significance as the event took place in the upper room, before the Passover celebration. Before exploring this well-known teachings on washing the disciples’ feet in John 13, it is important to consider the following:
- Are there any similar teachings in the Bible regarding foot washing?
- What is the significance of ‘FEET WASHING’ both in its physical act and its spiritual implications?”
1) SIMILAR TEACHINGS
Thank God foot washing is indeed a practice found in at least Genesis 18:4, Exodus 29/ 30, and 1 Timothy 5; appearing in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
1.1) FEET WASHING IN EXODUS
Exodus 29 and 30 outline the necessity for priests to cleanse themselves by washing their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle after daily burnt offerings, under penalty of death if neglected.
In contrast, John 13:8-9 records Peter initially refusing to let Jesus wash his feet, prompting Jesus to insist, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Peter then asks Jesus to wash not just his feet, but also his hands and head. Jesus responds, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Thus, Jesus distinctly clarifies that his actions do not mirror or restate the commands of Exodus 29 and 30. In essence, the instructions in Exodus and the events in John 13 serve different purposes and should not be conflated.
1.2) TEACHING IN 1 TIMOTHY 5:10
Some translations such as NASB, NKJV, KJV, ESV, and AMPC include the instruction from the Apostle Paul in First Timothy 5:10 to wash the feet of the saints. This is listed among acts of humility and good service in these translations.
By comparing Genesis 18:4, John 13, and First Timothy 5, it becomes evident that “WASHING THE SAINTS’ FEET” is a clear practical, tangible, and literal act of foot washing. It goes beyond symbolism and spiritual ritual. It is a way of demonstrating humility, hospitality, and service to others.
The reference verse is as below:
| 1 TIMOTHY 5:10 (AMPC) 10 And she must have a reputation for good deeds, as one who has brought up children, who has practiced hospitality to strangers [of the brotherhood], WASHED THE FEET OF THE SAINTS, helped to relieve the distressed, [and] devoted herself diligently to doing good in every way. |
2) CONTEMPORARY TEACHING
One contemporary teaching paraphrases John 13, by encouraging believers to affirm and declare to one another their righteousness in the eyes of the Lord, despite ongoing sin. This is likened to metaphorically washing each other’s feet according to this teaching.
The essence of this teaching shifts the focus from self to finding identity “in Christ.” It asserts that just as Jesus does not live in sin, believers are also considered free from sin. This concept is akin to washing each other’s feet.
This modern interpretation of Scripture views salvation as a singular act of justification by faith alone, likened to a once-for-all cleansing by the blood of Jesus, followed by ongoing spiritual renewal (“BY WATER”) through declaring oneself as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
However, First Timothy 5:10 offers a contrasting perspective, indicating a different approach from the modern teachings derived from John 13.
3) ONCE BY HIS BLOOD, THEREAFTER BY THE WATER
Not wrong, in John 13:10, Jesus said, “Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. All of you are clean—all except one. (GNT)”
Does this imply that people bathe only once in their entire life? Or do people bathe regularly, perhaps daily?
No, people don’t bathe just once in their lifetime. Throughout history and today, people typically bathe daily. However, the methods and frequency can vary due to differences in technology and infrastructure.
In ancient times, without modern plumbing and water heaters, bathing was often less frequent, occurring mainly in the morning, supplemented by foot washing in the evening or when they gathered; after sandals traveling.
Today, with continuous access to water and water heaters, people have the convenience of bathing upon returning home, rather than merely washing their feet.
Jesus did not teach that people should bathe only ONCE IN THEIR ENTIRE LIVES and wash their feet daily. Instead, He instructed His disciples that bathing once in the morning sufficed for cleanliness, and they did not need to bathe again on the same day (verse 10).
If believers interpret this as a lesson on justification by Christ’s Blood once for all, then it should emphasize daily justification and sanctification. This means being cleansed by Christ’s blood in the morning and having one’s feet washed in the evening or whenever they gather.
The reality is that people, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament era, bathe daily. Therefore, this teaching should not be misconstrued as ‘once cleansed by His blood for life, relying solely on water washing thereafter’ as some suggest for lifelong salvation.
Thus, the doctrine of ‘ONCE CLEANSED BY HIS BLOOD‘ for justification is not biblical unless its proponents also advocate bathing only once in a lifetime.
4) SANCTIFICATION
In addition, Jesus concludes with these words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:16-17, GNT). Therefore, this passage does not refer to sanctification through the washing of the Holy Spirit. It is not about the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather, believers are called to imitate Jesus by practicing/ doing humble service to one another.
5) APPLICATION
The true and crucial application of this teaching underscores humanity and selfless serving. Jesus himself explicitly told his disciples that the greatest among them should be like the youngest, and the one who rules should be like the one who serves (Luke 22:24-27).
Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter instructs church leaders to be shepherds who serve willingly, not lording it over those entrusted to them but being examples to the flock.
These teachings warn against adopting a superior or domineering role, as the Pharisees and teachers of the law did in Jesus’ time.
6) CONCLUSION
In a parallel study of Genesis 18:4, John 13, and 1 Timothy, foot-washing is depicted as a literal, physical act, not to be interpreted and paraphrased into a spiritual ritual or spiritual significance.
Despite knowing the Father gives Him all things (verse 3); He that owns the heaven and earth, yet He girded Himself humbly to serve His disciples by washing their feet; a task usually reserved for servants.
Only those who are prepared to be girded with both readiness and with a servant’s heart, prepared to act selflessly and humbly shall have in and with Jesus (verse 8 AMPC). Those aspiring to greatness must first be willing to serve others.
While different interpretations and teachings exist within Christianity, it’s important to align teachings with the whole counsel of Scripture. Both the teaching of “Justification by Jesus’ Blood [Bath] Once” and water of feet by the washing of the Holy Spirit can not align with John 13 and 1 Timothy 5’s teaching. Amenbible
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