Foot Washing, another sacrament?

It is commonly agreed, among various denominations, that Protestant Christians believe in two sacraments. Dictionary.com defines sacraments as: something regarded as possessing a sacred character or mysterious significance. Another way to define it is that these are essential (not for salvation) rites that we see as required by God, at least in the sense to demonstrate an outward display of an inward grace. Roman Catholics and most Eastern Orthodox see 7 sacraments, which include things like confession and penance, but the protestant see basically two; baptism and communion (or the Lord’s Supper).

I agree with the two, and as our Protestant forefathers did, I reject any more than that, except, I would add one more, foot washing. We find the practice and initiation of foot washing by Jesus in John Chapter 13. It is a moving story, on the night of the Last Supper, surrounded by his disciples. It seems, by John’s account, to have been done before the supper was started. In ancient times (Jesus’ day) a servant would wash a guest’s feet. It was refreshing and needed, for the dusty, sometimes muddy, streets would cover ones feet. Thus, Jesus immediately took on the role of servant in doing the task, as Peter protests, John 13:8 (KJV) “…Thou shalt never wash my feet.”

I know there are many well-meaning, better educated and smarter than me, folks who think foot washing was intended as a symbolic act, that Jesus never meant it to be practiced. Well, in His own words, John 13:14-15 (KJV) “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” I’ve often read this verse and find no reason to believe that it doesn’t mean what it means, do it! But, for the sake of good exegesis, is there any other verses to back the argument.

In First Timothy, the Apostle Paul gives a list of requirements for a widow to be eligible for church support. He gives age requirements, family requirements (is there anyone in the family that can or should support her), and marital status. In the chapter is this list, 1 Timothy 5:10 (KJV) “ Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” In the midst of her required good deeds is a statement of “if she have washed the saints' feet” which is clearly a reference to some type of foot washing rite, ceremony or practice.

There are three important elements or purposes, I see in foot washing. Just as baptism and communion have symbolic reasons for the physical acts, I believe foot washing does too. I see three reasons and lessons in foot washing.

First- it is symbolic of our daily walk, though we are clean (righteous) before God, our walk attracts daily grit, grim and dirt. Jesus spoke of it that night, John 13:10 (KJV) “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” Our day to day living needs repentance and constant cleaning and foot washing points out this great truth.

Second- it is a great lesson in humility. As mentioned before, foot washing was the servant’s job. To demean yourself in washing someone else’s feet is a pure act of humility. I think Paul’s reference to the widows acts were to show her humility and Jesus’ actions demonstrate this truth also, John 13:5 (KJV) “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Finally-the least understood symbolism of foot washing is the necessity of submission. It is commanded that we submit to God, but also to one another. 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Jesus, in giving us this great example, tells His disciples, John 13:14-17 (KJV) “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 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. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

I want to close with a story. I have personally belong to two different denominations, and various churches that practice foot washing. Some services were very spiritual and meaningful and some were, not so much. One example of foot washing that demonstrated all the elements I’ve laid out was Brother B (I’ll withhold his real name). Brother B had suffered from strokes, his left side, head to toe, was useless, for the most part. He often came to our little church in a wheel chair, sometimes, on the good days, he made it with a cane. His wife could hardly help him out of their car and many of the men in the church would wait, in anticipation, of helping Brother B get in the church building. It almost became a contest of who could be first to assist, and became a beautiful example of Christ’s love.

One particular night, foot washing was planned, with the communion service. Brother B made his usual struggle to his seat, up front, and enjoyed the communion part of the service. When it came time for foot washing, many were curious if Brother B would participate, and most agreed that he had a legitimate excuse to not. See, the practice of foot washing in Brother B’s church (and mine at the time) was to lay out basins on the front row. You would seat in the pew to have your feet washed and someone (or a group) would bow before you and wash your feet. Brother B sat as many brothers (sisters and brothers do it separate in this particular church, as most do who practice it) began washing his feet in obvious acts of submission and humility. But, the moment came for Brother B to wash someone else’s feet.

No one would have thought less of him for not doing that part but he motioned that he wanted to wash someone’s feet (the stroke had taken his ability to speak also). His disability would not allow him to bend over and wash someone’s feet or even get in the floor. So, in one of the most beautiful examples of humility and brotherly love, they sat Brother B in the pew, one brother held up the basin of water, and another lifted his feet, one at a time, with assistance by other brothers, so as to not fall, in to the basin, which was about three feet off the floor. Brother B took his one good hand, which still was affected by the stroke and washed; meticulously, slowly and thoroughly the feet of his brother. As I witnessed this act of brotherly love, submission to one another and humility, I gained the greatest respect for the practice of Foot Washing.

GOD BLESS