The Present Service of the Lord Jesus Christ 4: Washing Our Feet

 •  15 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
On the fourteenth day of the month Abib, 1491 B.C., according to Ussher’s chronology, the children of Israel kept their first passover, and commenced their march out of Egypt. They had cried by reason of their bondage, and God had heard (Ex. 2:2323And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. (Exodus 2:23)), and the arm of Jehovah was now made bare on their behalf; and, whilst the Egyptians were engaged with the burial of their dead (Num. 33:44For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the Lord had smitten among them: upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments. (Numbers 33:4)), the persecuted, downtrodden nation of slaves was waking up to the reality of being Jehovah’s first-born, redeemed by Him out of the house of bondage.
On the fourteenth clay of that same month, more than fifteen centuries afterward, the disciples were assembled in the upper room at Jerusalem in company with the Arm of Jehovah (Isa. 53:11Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)), a Man amongst men, to commemorate the nation’s redemption out of Egypt by partaking of the paschal supper, —for redemption is a blessing never to be forgotten, and the results of it can never be effaced. Often had the children of Israel kept the Passover—at times under adverse, at times under propitious circumstances; but the twelve were about to commemorate the exemption of their forefathers in Egypt from the visit of the messenger of destruction, under special and peculiar circumstances. Under special circumstances, for the Arm of Jehovah, who had cut Rahab in pieces, and wounded the dragon (Isa. 51:99Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? (Isaiah 51:9)), was sitting at the table with them. Under peculiar circumstances, too, had they this time met; for it was the Lord’s last Passover before His death, and the last before that of which it was a type—redemption by the blood of the Lamb—should be an accomplished fact. Israel in Egypt had proved God’s power and faithfulness. The disciples during the supper had an illustration of the enduring nature of divine love, and of the lowly service to which the Lord would stoop on behalf of His own. “Having loyal his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”
For it was not simply to inculcate a lesson of humility that the Lord Jesus Christ washed the feet of the apostles that evening. It is true, for the Lord told them, that they were to learn from it a lesson of humility, as resuming His place at the table, He said, “If I then, your Lord and master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do, as I have done to you” (John 13:14,1514If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:14‑15)). All must understand that He here sets us an example to stoop to lowly service on behalf of other Christians. Peter’s exclamation, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” tells us what he thought of the act, and his unhesitating assertion, “Thou shalt never wash my feet,” shows clearly the light in which he viewed the matter. The Lord’s humility is apparent, and His reasoning about it cogent. He has stooped in a way and measure impossible to us. He, our Lord and Master, has stooped to serve His disciples. They may well stoop to serve one another. For if they thus minister to one another, who may often need a similar service to be rendered to them, they can only do it as first taught by Him, who, never requiring such ministry Himself, set them the example on the night of His betrayal.
From Peter and the rest the deep, the symbolical meaning of the Lord’s act was then concealed; but, the Lord told him, that afterward he would understand about it. “What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” There was more intended in the act than what met the outward eye. But since the Holy Ghost has come to guide into all the truth, the time to which the Lord referred has arrived, so we shall not be prying into mysteries beyond the Christian’s spiritual comprehension, if we endeavor to understand what the Lord meant by this new and, to the disciples, startling illustration of the service, which He, whilst in glory, would render to them.
And first, as to the terms He made use of in answer to Peter’s request to be thoroughly washed. “He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit” (10).
Washing with water was an action with which all Jews were familiar. There was (a) the washing of the garments or nets, expressed in the New Testament by the verb πλύνειν (Rev. 7:14;2214And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)
14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14). 14; Luke 5:22And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. (Luke 5:2)); (b) the washing (βρέχειν) by the woman in Luke 7:38,4438And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:38)
44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. (Luke 7:44), of the Lord’s feet with her tears; (c) the ceremonial washing of the person, or parts of the person, and of utensils, expressed in New Testament by the noun βαπτισμός (Mark 7:4,84And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. (Mark 7:4)
8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. (Mark 7:8); Heb. 6:2;92Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:2)
2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. (Hebrews 9:2). 10); and the verb βαπτίζειν (Mark 7:44And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. (Mark 7:4); Luke 11:3838And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. (Luke 11:38)); (d) the act of washing the whole body, for which λούειν is used (John 13, 10; Acts 9:37;1637And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (Acts 9:37)
37But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. (Acts 16:37). 33; Heb. 10:2222Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)), to which, if we follow the common reading, we must add Rev. 1:55And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5); and its compound ἀπολούειν (Acts 22:1616And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16); 1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11); and (e) the washing of the parts of the body, whether the face (Matt. 6:1717But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; (Matthew 6:17)), the eyes (John 9:7,11,157And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. (John 9:7)
11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. (John 9:11)
15Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. (John 9:15)), the hands (Matt. 15:22Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. (Matthew 15:2); Mark 7:33For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. (Mark 7:3)), or the feet (John 13:5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 145After 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. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (John 13:5‑6)
8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (John 13:8)
10Jesus 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)
12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? (John 13:12)
14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. (John 13:14); 1 Tim. 5:1010Well 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. (1 Timothy 5:10)), for which νίπτειν was employed. A glance at the references given above shows, that the verbs λούειν and νίπτειν are the only ones made use of by the Lord in His discourse with the disciples on the night before He suffered. So, dismissing all further reference to (a) (b) (c), let us turn to mark the distinction noticed by the Lord between (d) and (e) as He said, in answer to Peter— “He that is washed (λελουμένος) needed not save to wash (νίψασζαι) his feet, but is clean every whit”—a distinction which His hearers doubtless comprehended, and with which the readers of the this must have been acquainted; for we read in that version that, when Aaron and his sons were to be consecrated, they were washed all over with water once for all-an act expressed by the verb λούειν (Ex. 29:4; 40:124And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water. (Exodus 29:4)
12And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. (Exodus 40:12); Lev. 8: 6). But, as often as they or Moses entered the holy place, or ministered at the brazen altar, they washed their hands and feet in the laver of the tabernacle, or molten sea of the temple, to express which act the verb νίπτειν is used (Ex. 30:19,21;4019For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: (Exodus 30:19)
21So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations. (Exodus 30:21)
21And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the Lord commanded Moses. (Exodus 40:21). 30-32; 2 Chron. 4:66He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. (2 Chronicles 4:6)). With these two washings, then, for those who approached God in the tabernacle or temple, all are familiar. So it was no unmeaning distinction, nor one of which the disciples were ignorant, which the Lord drew between the being washed all over and the washing of the feet. First washed all over—a washing which was never repeated—the priests, as often as they entered the tabernacle, or ministered at the altar, had to wash both hands and feet in the place and vessel appointed by God. Washing with water for them was a requisite never to be dispensed with, and the washing in these two ways was absolutely necessary. The having been once washed all over could never be a substitute for the frequent ablutions enjoined them; nor could the washing of one day, however often repeated, if they had afterward left the sanctuary or altar, be pleaded as availing for the next day. They had to wash in the laver as often as they required it. Of this rule there could be no relaxation; but, unless the washing all over once for all had first been effected, the other ablutions could never have taken place.
As with the priests of old, so with believers now. Two kinds of washing the former required; of two kinds must those, who are to be with Christ partake; and, as the priests were reminded of the positive need of frequent ablution in the brazen laver, if they would not be cut off by death for non-compliance with the divine command (Ex. 30:2121So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations. (Exodus 30:21)), so believers are taught how indispensable for them is that frequent washing, without which, as the Lord declares, they could have no part with him. Washed once for all, of which we read in 1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11), Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5), speaking of us as individuals, and in Eph. 5:2626That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26), where the Church is treated of, we need the frequent washing or the feet, of which the Lord assures us in John 13. But here the difference between being dealt with on the ground of law and on that of grace is app rent. For whereas, neither the frequent washing by the priests of their hinds and feet, nor the washing of our feet c id be dispensed with, the responsibilities of the former rested on the priests—they had to do it—the latter is provided for by the Lord Himself. He does it. So this washing will never be omitted, for, how often soever we may need it, He will do it Contact with defilement defiles. Saints may often need to have their feet washed. What is man? But as often as they need it He will do it. Such is the Lord Jesus Christ, who has sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
But when, and how, is this effected? The service to be done tells us something about the when, and the symbolical meaning of water instructs us as to the low. As often as our feet are soiled they need washing. If we sin, we need the offices of the Advocate to restore the soul to communion (1 John 2:11My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)). If tried by the difficulties of the way, we can count on the intercession of the High Priest, and so approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace for seasonable help (Heb. 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)). The washing of the feet, however, is needed, in order to have port with Christ, if defilement in any way has been contracted. Sin, of course, defiles, but not actual sin only.
The priests had not sinned each time that they washed in the laver. Yet, they needed that ceremonial cleansing ere they could re-enter the tent of the tabernacle, or minister afresh at the altar. So believers now may often need the washing of their feet with water, apart from all questions of actual sin. And though we may not be always conscious of our want of it, the Lord by His lowly service will recall it to our mind. That we may have part with Him, He thus washes us with water, the symbol here, as elsewhere, of the Word of God. For, as water effects a separation between our flesh and that which has defiled it, so, in a similar way, does the Word act on our soul (Psa. 119:99BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalm 119:9); John 3:5; 15:35Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3); Eph. 5:2626That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26)).
That we may have part with Christ, He washes us. We read (Psa. 17:1414From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. (Psalm 17:14), Luke 16:2525But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luke 16:25)) of some who have their portion in this life, and of those who will have their part or portion in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev. 21:88But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)). The Lord’s people are to have theirs with Him, and therefore He stoops to wash their feet now. Amazing grace! He applies the Word as it may be needed, the right word in the right way, and at the right moment. Nothing that is wanted, will He leave undone, for us to share with him in the blessings in store for God’s saints. The tenderness of the Shepherd, and the vigilance of the Bishop, are in constant exercise on our behalf. Here we learn of this personal service, the application of the Word by the Spirit, as often as each may require it. “If I wash thee not,” He said to Peter, indicating, that though the service might be a frequent one, He would not fail to perform it. Hannah, in the joy of her heart, could say of Jehovah, “He will keep the feet of his saints” (1 Sam. 2:99He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. (1 Samuel 2:9)). We can say, the Lord Jesus now in glory washes them. Clean His disciples were (Judas excepted) by the word which He had spoken to them (John 15:3; 13:10, 113Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3)
10Jesus 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. 11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. (John 13:10‑11)), yet they would need this washing; for, though they were to act to others as the Lord had to them, their washing of each other’s feet could not supersede the necessity of His acting in this manner to each of them. “If I wash thee not,” He said to Peter, “thou hast no part with me.” Not that this washing of the feet gives life, for Judas was washed on this occasion with the rest; but, those who have life require this personal service of the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to have a portion with Him. Thus does He maintain, and would have us remember, the holy character of that place into which we are introduced by His atoning work, and at the same time He makes provision by this act which proclaims it for us to have part with Him, who are prone to contract defilement by the way. For it is the feet He washes, not the hands or the head; just that which is suggestive of walk, and which therefore tells us of the character of the road along which we travel.
But on what occasion did the Lord first present Himself to His disciples in this capacity! It was on the last evening of His life on earth, when His disciples, assembled with Him to eat the passover, partook for the first time of bread and wine in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:15-2015And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:15‑20)). Then it was that they learned, that something else was needed to have part with Him besides redemption by His blood. That they were ever to remember, but on the same night, and whilst they were seated at the table at which they first partook of the Lord’s Supper, their feet were washed by Him. Washed all over as they once had been, they would nevertheless need this washing. Had, then, the first washing failed in its efficacy? By no means. Once done, it was never to be repeated, and the Lord on this very occasion affirmed its abiding validity, as he said to Peter, “He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.” The washing of regeneration can never be repeated (Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5), 1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)). Yet we cannot dispense with this gracious service of Christ; nothing can be substituted for it, nor do we read that anyone can take part with Him in the administration of it. For John tells us that, “rising from supper, he laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” None helped Him, or attended on Him, in this lowly service. He prepared Himself for the work. He provided all that was requisite. He washed and He wiped their feet, and did not resume His place at the table, till He had waited upon each of them in turn. “Knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God, he riseth from supper.” For what? To ascend His throne? No. But to stoop in a way He had never done before, to wash the feet of His disciples. And that, not as an isolated act to stand out in all time to come as a token of the humility that was in Him, but as an illustration of the real and personal service in which He would engage, when on high, for each of those who should believe on Him; the inauguration of a ministry which will not cease, till their course on earth has ended.
He passed over none of them. Nor could the treachery of Judas, or the ignorance of Peter, divert Him from His purpose. The treachery and malice of Judas (John 13:22And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; (John 13:2)) brought out into full relief the divine affection in the heart of Christ towards His own, like a rainbow, the brightness of whose colors stand out in marked contrast to the thick dark mass of stormy clouds behind it. The ignorance of Peter, on the other hand, gave occasion for the calm yet decided answer of the Lord, which tells us of the need we have to be thus ministered to by Him. Judas might sit unmoved throughout this scene. What a contrast between the thoughts of his heart and those of Christ’s! How different was Peter! When his ignorance was graciously exposed, the ready answer of his lips told of the trueness of his heart to Christ. If to have part with Him that washing was needed, all His desire was to have it fully done. Judas was ready to enrich himself at the expense of Christ. Peter desired to share with his Lord and Master. “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands, and my head.” Peter’s words testify bow he valued a portion with Christ, the Lord’s service to ensure it, shows us in what light He must view it.