August 1998

Feet Washing in Assembly Worship???

By Dick Ward

FEET WASHING

Did you know FEET WASHING was NOT a public act of worship? Although we read of the washing of feet in the Bible, we do not find Christians washing feet in public worship; men, not God, have put feet washing into assembly worship.

A SERVICE NOT A CEREMONY

A few denominations have turned the "service" of feet washing into a church "ceremony". The "feet" washed in the Bible were dirty feet which needed washing. Today, most who practice the washing of feet in church services make extra sure their feet are clean before allowing another person to wash them. In so doing, the service (dirty feet made clean) is removed from the act and it simply becomes a "ceremony" (without instrinsic purpose).

Old Testament illustrations show guests were offered water to wash their own feet (Genesis 18:4; 19:2). Sometimes a host would do the washing of the feet of a guest (I Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:36-44). Jesus, Himself, washed the feet of His chosen disciples (John 13). In all of these references, the feet were dirty and needed washing! The New Testament puts the washing of the saint's feet as a qualification for a widow indeed (I Timothy 5:9,10).

JESUS AND FEET WASHING

At first, Peter refused to let Jesus wash his feet (John 13:6-8). Jesus changed Peter's mind when He said, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me." (John 13:8). Peter responded to this by saying, "Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." (John 13:9). Why did Jesus not "wash" Peter's hands and head? "Jesus said unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit:" (John 13:10). Friend, the point is clear - Peter's hands and head did not need washing because only his feet were dirty. Jesus was willing to wash what needed cleaning (a service rendered) and the Lord encouraged His disciples to follow His example. Faithful Christians are willing to render service to their brethren - even the humble service of washing the dirty feet of a disciple of Christ.

NOT FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP

There is no scriptural authority to move the washing of the feet into the public worship services. The act of feet washing is an act performed by the individual and God's Book does not show it in assembly worship (when the whole church is worshipping together). Why practice something God has not authorized?

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Dick Ward for the article! This article was published in a newspaper column titled, "Did You Know?" in the Carrier Newspaper in Madison, Florida. He may be reached at: Dick Ward, 18 Eldorado East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, (205) 556-2407.]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com