How we wash each other’s feet

Recently, during evangelism, one of the members of our church encountered a question about foot washing. The question was this: “Why don’t you wash one another’s feet, when Jesus Himself commands us to do so?” (John 13:14).

In this article, we will try to explain why wo do not literally, physically wash each other’s feet, but still actively apply this teaching in our daily lives.

First of all, let’s look at the text that raises this question:

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

There are three arguments in favor of interpreting this command of Jesus Christ as a principle rather than a literal directive to wash feet.

1. It is an example to follow, not a specific required action. At that time, there was a real need to wash feet—people walked in sandals along dusty roads. When they ate, they reclined around the table, and dirty, smelly feet could easily interfere with the simplicity and comfort of shared meals.

2. It is an expression of love and should not be limited only to washing feet. At the beginning of this chapter, apostle John gives us a clue that the story presented in Scripture reveals Christ’s love.

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)

The importance of love is emphasized again in John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Both at the beginning of the chapter and after this story, Jesus speaks of a broader principle than just washing one another’s feet—He speaks of the principal demonstration of love! Food washing is just a small part of it. Today, as mentioned above, there’s no longer a need to literally wash one another’s feet, but other forms of love are much more relevant.

3. It is a symbol of spiritual reality not merely a literal act. In verse 8, Jesus says:  “If I do not wash you, you have not share with me.” And in verse 10 He continues: “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” From the conversation, we understand that Jesus is speaking about the forgiveness of sins and the ongoing need for that forgiveness throughout the believer’s life.

Conclusion: Let us love one another by meeting real needs, and that will be the strongest testimony to the world that the love of Christ truly lives in our hearts! But the most important lesson of this text is humility. Jesus, being the Son of God, washed the dirty feet of His disciples! Surely, such a display of love can only be demonstrated by humble Christians.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

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