Foot washing

[Joshua1a7]

I have some questions about foot washing. Can it be used for reconciliation? As a demonstration of my humility and self-giving service to the individual wronged?

John 13:15-16 (After washing the disciples feet) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Profound truths are often communicated more dramatically through emotional and sensory experience than thorough verbal instruction. I know this is a simple act. I further know it could show I am not better than the person I offended. But is it appropriate?

We are not to tear each other down but to lovingly build one another up. This doesn’t mean false praise. But if a brother is wrong then it must be exposed. I would be exposing myself if I did the foot washing in public. Then we are to encourage one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Chuck

 

[texastig]

I have some questions about foot washing. Can it be used for reconciliation? As a demonstration of my humility and self-giving service to the individual wronged?

John 13:15-16 (After washing the disciples feet) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Profound truths are often communicated more dramatically through emotional and sensory experience than thorough verbal instruction. I know this is a simple act. I further know it could show I am not better than the person I offended. But is it appropriate?

We are not to tear each other down but to lovingly build one another up. This doesn’t mean false praise. But if a brother is wrong then it must be exposed. I would be exposing myself if I did the foot washing in public. Then we are to encourage one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Chuck

Chuck, in my opinion, foot washing would come after reconciliation.
Because you would have to have forgiveness before you can get that close to a person.
Thanks,
TT

 

[Onlythingavailable]

The washing of feet had a practical purpose during Jesus' time. People wore sandals, not shoes and socks, which made their feet dirty. I think the point Jesus wanted to show us was that we shouldn't consider anything to be below us. I don't think washing feet today would demonstrate what you want.

I don't mean that washing feet wouldn't be humbling, but if it is of no use to the one you have offended, what does it profit him. I'd suggest doing something of value for him, unless, of course, he has very dirty feet!

 

[Johnnz]

Foot washing was done by a lowly servant, not the host. Jesus was illustrating humility and servant leadership, essential character traits for those living in His Kingdom.

John
NZ

 

[Elijah2]

Mate, just by forgiving and loving your enemies is what foot washing is all about. Be humble in all what you do is enough.

 

[Joshua1a7]

Chuck, in my opinion, foot washing would come after reconciliation.
Because you would have to have forgiveness before you can get that close to a person.
Thanks,
TT

Thank you. I hadnt thought of it that way. It makes sense now that you mention it though.

Chuck

 

[Joshua1a7]

The washing of feet had a practical purpose during Jesus' time. People wore sandals, not shoes and socks, which made their feet dirty. I think the point Jesus wanted to show us was that we shouldn't consider anything to be below us. I don't think washing feet today would demonstrate what you want.

I don't mean that washing feet wouldn't be humbling, but if it is of no use to the one you have offended, what does it profit him. I'd suggest doing something of value for him, unless, of course, he has very dirty feet!

Thank you. You are right it wouldnt profit him. But he considers it the lowliest act someone can do for another. I will seek someother means of showing I what I mean.

Chuck

 

[tturt]

That kind of foot washing in Biblical times wasn't for the purpose of cleaning their feet but similar to a "holy kiss" such as 2Co 13:12 "Greet one another with an holy kiss."

 

[bliz]

My experience has been that the washing of the feet of others is not humiliating in the slightest. Someone kneeling before me to wash my feet proved to be incredibly humbling.

What I find most interesting is how so many Christians and their churches think the instruction to wash the feet of others as optional.
John 13:13-15 http://www.ibs.org/

13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

 

[tturt]

Maybe there wouldn't be as many church disagreements, etc. if we followed what The Word says.

 

[Rowan]

You might have to Google this, but the Coptic churches still practice foot-washing within the liturgy.