When the affections have been chilled, even though there may be nothing to disturb the conscience, there will be a grave hindrance to communion with Christ. At such times the service of feet-washing comes in to remove the hindrance.
In Scripture we find that water is often used as a symbol of the cleansing effect of the Word of God. At conversion the Word is applied by the power of the Spirit, producing a thorough change and imparting a new nature. This entirely alters the thoughts, words and actions of the believer. This change is signified by the Lord’s words, “He that is washed all over needs not to wash save his feet, but is wholly clean” (John 13:1010Jesus 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. (John 13:10) JND).
There can be no repetition of this great change. Yet those washed all over may often grow dull of spirit. As the travelers’ feet are soiled and wearied by the dust of the road, so the believer, in contact with the daily round, the duties of the home-life and the pressures of business life, as well as the continual conflict with evil, may often be wearied in spirit. Thus, he is hindered from having communion with Christ in His things.
It is not that the believer has done anything that conscience would take account of, calling for confession and the work of the Advocate. Rather, his spirit is wearied and needs to be refreshed. Such refreshment Christ loves to give, if we will but put our feet in His blessed hands. He will refresh our souls by presenting Himself before us, in all His perfections, through the Word.
Thus, too, we are given the privilege of washing one another’s feet — a blessed service, not carried out by seeking to find fault with one another, but by ministering Christ to each other. Only the ministry of Christ will bring refreshment to a weary soul.
Hamilton Smith