Luke 22: 39-----

He crosses the valley and makes His way to the Mount of Olives. His disciples follow close behind. He stops at a place just short of His original destination; tells His disciples to wait here and pray, then makes the rest of the trek to Gethsemane alone. When he arrives, He postures Himself by bowing to His knees with face to the ground. He calls out to His Father in urgency. He knows there is not much time. There are only a few moments that separate Him from a bloodthirsty crowd. Soon He will be taken by merciless hands to be delivered unto a cruel people who have no value whatsoever for human life.

He can feel the hated that emanates from those who have already assembled for the purpose of his destruction. All he sees at this moment in time is a Roman cross on the morning’s horizon.

Dread fills his entire being. He groans in His Spirit. He swoons and moans in His humanity. Low guttural sounds radiate from deep within His throat. He seeks His Father’s face once more. Can there be some other way?  Then He remembers the covenant that was made before his incarnation; the great Everlasting Covenant that would allow His beloved people, though sinful and undeserving, to inherit the purity of His heaven. The only way this can be accomplished is that He takes their sins upon Him; that He becomes sin for them; that He becomes them and takes their judgment upon himself, and then dies in their stead. Suddenly, with no further thought, the words fill his soul and fall from His lips, “Not my will, my Father, but Thine be done”

 A good friend from his home “country” comes and stands beside Him. One last familiar visitor to comfort and reassure Him before his sentence is carried out; Jesus knows him well. He is a friend whom He created and has known since before He shaped the world from nothingness; He is strengthened and comforted by his words and presence.

He foresees all that lies before Him, yet He does not scream for mercy or call on the heavenly host to deliver Him, as well he could. He agonizes while fully accepting His original purpose for coming into this strange and alien land. The night is cold , yet He sweats profusely, the unmentionable pressure he is experiencing causes his blood vessels under his skin to burst, forcing the life giving crimson fluid to ooze from the pores of His body, then fall to the ground

Suddenly there are sounds wafting on the breeze; noises in the distance; the muttering of far away voices; the rattling of staves; the clanging of swords. He lifts His head to see the flickering of the many torches as they move his way from the valley below. He arises and walks the short distance back to where his friends are now asleep. He speaks telling them to go ahead and sleep,  but they are awakened by the clamor; startled they leap to their feet.

A mob comes near. He does not turn to run, but waits on an event He has rehearsed in eternity. Then it happens. One whom He has befriended steps forward and places a kiss on his cheek, still damp from the tears.  A startled and angry disciple takes a defensive pose, draws a long knife and swings. He misses the neck he has targeted and hits the head instead; cutting off the top half of an ear. Yet, even in the dread of death and despair, compassion takes precedence. The ear is touched by innocent hands. The blood is stayed. No longer can any wound can be found.

He is dragged away by His own people. Beating, scourging, mocking, spitting, slapping, and blasphemy will soon be all that is left for Him in life. Not long after this, the sun,  the great master of light, will scatter any sign of darkness; the morning will break, and then that dreaded cross will come into view; the cross that is the reason for His being born; for his being here in the first place; the cross that has forever stood between the eternities;  the cross that was seen by the Children of Israel in the form of a serpent on a pole, the cross to which His prophets of old had pointed, in what was then their future; the cross that King David described so vividly in his prophetic songs; the cross that would be preached in every generation that would follow for all time.

This rugged cross on which the Son of Man would exhale His last breath of humanity would become the only hope of the wellspring of life for us.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Do we worship the cross? I will reply with an emphatic NO! That old Cross of wood has long ago become only dust. No we do not worship that cross, we worship Him who died on that Cross. The Cross was the Altar on which He was sacrificed for our sins. The work of Jesus Christ that was accomplished on the cross is what we as Christians accept as the atonement for our sin.  It was His death on that cross that redeemed us from death and eternal punishment. It was His death on that cross that secured our home in heaven.

The cross was necessary for our hope of life, but let it be shouted from the highest hill that we worship only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sam Everett

Foot Washing-Literal or Allegorical?

John 13: 1-17

“Many interpreters consider Christ's washing his disciples' feet as a representation of his whole undertaking. He knew that he was equal with God, and all things were his; and yet he rose from his table in glory, laid aside his robes of light, girded himself with our nature, took upon him the form of a servant, came not to be ministered to, but to minister, poured out his blood, poured out his soul unto death, and thereby prepared a laver to wash us from our sins”…Matthew Henry

 

When I first entered the ministry, I was taught that the literal washing of feet was necessary if I was to be in full obedience with the order of the church. After looking into the subject in depth, to my surprise I found that there seemed to be a lack of written information, both biblical and historical, on this topic.

 

Among most Baptists as well as other denominational churches that perform this rite, it seems that John chapter thirteen is used exclusively to build the entire foundation as to the reason it should be carried out in a literal sense. If we are to allow this one and might I say only, scripture to guide us in this direction, must we not consider the multitudes of other scriptures in which Christ teaches us to follow his example? We must ask ourselves; are we to follow each one in a literal fashion?

 

Putting all this aside, we find, if studied closely, that Christ is not actually directing us to perform this as a literal application but rather is teaching by His actions, a wonderful exampled lesson in humility. Usually those who “wash feet” present it indeed to be a literal commandment of Jesus Christ, treating it as if it were a third ordinance given to the church. Then, there are others who perform it simply due to its traditional value.

 

 

 A.H. Newman, writes in “A Manual of Church History”, published in 1933.

 

There is no indication in the New Testament, or in any Christian literature of the first three centuries, that our Lord was understood to have instituted feet washing as an ordinance, by the acts and words under consideration in John 13. Feet washing was a common and needed practice in Palestine at the time, and the teaching that Christ intended to convey was the manifestation of brotherly love and humble service”

 

Both baptism and communion are mentioned multiple times throughout the New Testament scriptures. Both are recorded in all four gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles.  Apostle Paul mentions Baptism in many of his epistles. He also stresses the proper and correct manner in which we are to serve and receive communion. We find this stated in no uncertain terms in his letter to the church at Corinth. By this we understand that these are indeed ordinances that are to be recognized by Christ’s church, and are to be carried out, according to the scriptures. On the other hand, foot washing, while considered by many as a literal commandment, is mentioned only once in the New Testament (John 13).

 

For us to better understand what was done the night that Jesus washed his disciple’s feet, we must first look at the historical era in which it took place. The footwear of this day was almost always sandals, and the mode of transportation was, in most cases, walking. Obviously, after traveling for any length of time, the feet would become very dirty or dusty. When a traveler would enter a house as a guest, as an act of hospitality, the host would offer water and a basin in which his guest may wash his feet. In some cases, if the master of the house was wealthy, he might have his servant, usually gird about with only a towel (to show that he carried no weapons and was harmless), stoop and clean the guest’s feet. Whichever the case, the master of the house would never lower himself to do such a menial task. Keep in mind that this was an act performed on another only by a servant.

 

This was a strong time-honored and might I say necessary tradition that had been kept from Old Testament times, and Jesus would use this tradition as a tool with which to teach, not only His Apostles but all generations to follow, this much-needed lesson in humility.

 

We must also keep in mind the scene that was unfolding during this our Lord’s last meal. We find Jesus relating that one of those in His presence would soon betray Him:

(Lk 22 v.21). But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table They, being troubled by His statement, began to question him, as well as each other, as to which of them it could possibly be.

(Lk 22 v.23). And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

This caused quite a stir to say the least. However, they didn’t dwell on this for long, for we find only a moment later that a pretty heated argument had arisen among them as to who would be accounted as the greatest: How do we know is was heated??? Look at the verse.

            (Lk 22 v.24).  And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

This was not the first time this had come up. This same debate had come up before when James and John began to ask permission to sit beside the Lord in His glory:

(Mk 10 v.35-37).  And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

We find this dispute arise at another time among some of the others, after coming down from the mount of transfiguration and after witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand:

(Lk 9:46). Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Even James’ and John’s mother had gotten in on this request: (Matt 20:20-21) Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

It is evident that these roguish young men were more that just a little selfish and self-centered.  They were still rough around the edges, and would require some trimming and a lesson in humility. Can we not find many of these same non-redeeming qualities in ourselves?

 

We can almost see Jesus, as all the bickering was taking place, quietly rise from His seat and without a word, begin to remove His clothes and to gird Himself about with only a towel (Jn 13 v.4), thus taking upon Himself not only the role but also the look, of, a simple servant.  No doubt as these men first saw Him out of the corner of their eyes, their voices, one by one, began to trail off until finally, there was a deafening silence. Then, with all eyes fixed upon their Lord, they watched intently as He began to pour water into a basin, walk toward them, and then kneel in humble submission at the feet of the first disciple to be washed. What a great lesson He was teaching. For while they were jockeying for position as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation, was showing them by this act what it would take if any wished to claim this title; that before one could be considered as great, he must first learn the taste of humility through humiliation itself; before one could become a good master, he must first understand the role of his servant. With this one illustration, He established the words, which He had already taught these men, (Mat 23 v.11) “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant”, also in (Mark 10 v.44). “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all”

 

We find, as our Lord comes to Peter, that Peter asks Him the question, (John 13 v.6) “Lord dost thou wash my feet?” Jesus gives him an answer that may have seemed somewhat strange to Peter “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” (v.7).

 

No doubt Peter had witnessed the washing of feet hundreds of times before. So why would Jesus tell him that he would not understand what He was about to do… unless…this indeed was to be viewed not as a literal administration, but rather as an exampled teaching of a needful lesson?

 

Sure enough we find that Peter does not immediately grasp what Jesus is doing, and makes the statement, not in a rebellious manner but rather as a statement of his unworthiness; “Thou shalt never wash my feet”. (v.8) In this, Peter was conveying that he could never allow the perfect hands of his Lord and master to touch his filthy feet, nor could he have his Lord and his God to bow before him in such a demeaning fashion… but then we hear the words of Jesus in the same verse, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”.

 

We must understand that Jesus is not threatening Peter with apostasy if He is not allowed to wash his feet. He is simply relating to his beloved follower, that if he misses the true meaning of this lesson, and fails to understand its true application, then Peter can lay no claim to true discipleship. Peter, no doubt, hesitates for a few seconds as his brain is sorting out what is going around him. Then, suddenly, it all comes together. He finally gets it! 

Jesus is not doing this because our feet are dirty, but HE is showing us, by His example, how we are to live our lives, and that is; in humble service to our Lord, by serving each other. It is here that Peter makes the statement,

 

”Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head”! What Peter is saying is, Lord, take all of me; my entire life and do whatsoever you will with me, I am ready for you to use me in whatever capacity you so desire!

 

Even though the literal administration of feet washing is still performed among a few religious factions, the example and lesson that Christ was conveying is not fully comprehended. We find in many cases (even if unintentional) that pride, rather than humility is prevalent in many who “wash feet”. Sadly, many have been known to “boast” in the fact that they indeed practice literal “foot washing”? We also may find in some, disdain for those who do not agree with them in their views. This is in total opposition to the lesson that Jesus was conveying as he washed his disciples feet.

 

In my opinion, this act should not be given any more of a literal significance than many of the other examples which our Lord has given. For instance, as Jesus gave us the model prayer, He told us to pray “thusly”. Are we then to take His direction as a given commandment, using His words that He spoke, verbatim? No, for we find when placed in its proper context, that Jesus was giving us an outline, or structure, as to “how” we are to pray and not “what” we are required to say. Let us also take a look at a familiar passage that can be found in three of the four gospels. “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Matt 16:24), (Mk 8:34) and (Lk 9:23). Barring only a few minor nuances this scripture speaks the same message in each of these gospels. I doubt any named Christian would take this “commandment” of Jesus to be of a literal sense. No I think that most all understand that He is speaking figuratively. We indeed have a “cross” to bear, but this is not a cross of wood on which we are to be hung on a daily basis. Even so in feet washing, as the Lord said in John 13, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to (or should) wash one another's feet”, we find that Jesus, again, has given us the structure of how we should look at ourselves and what we are to do for, our fellow man, and not literally what we are to do to him.

 

To fully understand the lesson that our Lord has taught, we must keep in mind that humility is the theme for His actions. After He had bowed before His disciples, taking their feet into His hands, carefully washing each one, then wiping them dry with the towel, He declared His authority and position as being Lord and master (v.13). Then, with the same authority, He spoke to all by using this beautiful example (He even tells them that this is an example that He has given to them) that all should do as (not what) He had done (v.14-15). In this great paradox, His greatness is manifested by this exhibition of His lowliness. So we find in Christ’s beautiful lesson that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (here on earth) is he that serves, and not he that is served. I have heard John 13:17 quoted many times, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them”; as if Jesus is speaking of the literal washing of feet. Even though this is usually quoted correctly, we must look at the previous verse to find the correct context in which verse 17 is to be used. (v.16) states “Verily, verily, I say unto you, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him”. He is saying that if you understand these things about the servant and his lord or the sender and he that is sent, then happy are you if you put this into action. He expresses very plainly that all who follow this example will find happiness.

 

Again, this act of self denial on the part of our Lord and master, speaks volumes on how we are to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. For if we claim Him as our Lord then we are without exception, to follow His great example. His teaching shows us how we are to live in this world; that we should walk and live in all humility, preferring others above ourselves, being givers rather than receivers; ministering rather that being ministered unto, for “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Pet 5 v.5)

 

In closing, we find there are those who earnestly “feel” the need to kneel once or twice a year before the saints in order to wash their feet in this defined fashion. This may give satisfaction that they have openly proven their humility to everyone, even themselves. I will never condemn anyone for this. For one to place oneself in this position of humility is never to be taken lightly. However, I would only ask that those who do this should continually remain in this position or should I say condition of meekness and lowliness before men; manifesting this humble attitude that should be a part of our new nature given in Christ Jesus; ever taking into consideration that humility is not an act or deed performed, but rather should be considered the established way of life for the professed child of God and disciple of Christ.      

 

In all humility,

 

Sam Everett