Foot Washing

by Rev. Eronides DaSilva

a Christian contemporaneous practice or a legend?

Based on the text of John 13.1-13, some religious have found bases to practice the foot washing. Overlooking the law of context we rightly found that our Lord wasn't teaching a new doctrine rather an example. The plain reason for that was the disciples' argument about who would be the greater among them: "and there was also strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest" (Luke 22:24). Before he had rebuked this kind of spirit by setting a little child in their midst and stating that they had to become as little children and not to seek to lord it over each other (Matthew 18.1-10). Years had gone by now and they had not yet learned their lesson on this point. Yes, our Savior was seeking to get rid of this passion for worldly honor and dignity, which would have wrecked the foundation of the church after his death! Yes, an example actually over sighted by many of the Ministers of the Gospel!

Again, and again, as far as biblically stating that you and I must either have foot washing in our congregation or in any other Christian ceremony it just isn't there! Foot washing are allegorical just like most of acts we carry out. It was meant to show the spirit of servanthood among those serving the church. We have to remember when Jesus said he who is the greatest among you let him be the least! That is what foot washing is all about! In Jesus times it was a humble task and as you can imagine there is no magnificence in washing somebody's feet. The lesson of humbleness in heart, not in practice, is the core of the teaching!

Same holds true today, so even though you aren't biblically obligated to do foot washing, the next time you or your friend partake of the foot washing, remember the spirit of the servant and be willing to be humble in your heart and serve the people in you church with all your consciousness. Then the least will be the greatest!

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