What does it mean to wash the feet of others? How often do you wash the feet of the brothers? Jesus gave an example to follow if we want blessings. And in this article, I share an understanding of what that example of Christ means.
Then, when he washed their feet, took their clothes and sat down again, he said to them: “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you say well, because I am. Well, if I, your Lord and Master, I have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, you may do. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them – John 13:12 -15, 17 (NKJV).
Many believing Christians do not wash the feet of others as Christ had commanded. And those who do, struggle with who to wash and who not to wash. This has robbed many believers of God’s blessings. Therefore, it is important that you understand “washing the feet of others” and that you do what Jesus told you to do.
What is washing the feet of the disciples?
This means for some Christians humility and for others a literal footwashing to receive God’s blessings. However, washing the feet of the disciples also means serving the brothers without reservation. Sure, people serve others, but with conditions and restrictions. But Jesus Christ, our Lord, served all the disciples and did the same with them. And He showed no reservations for any of them. This is what God expects of all his children.
What is expected of a servant?
A servant must serve without complaining or murmuring. Likewise, he must attend to the other person, giving him the help that is required. Furthermore, he must put the other person before himself at all times; that is, the other person comes first at all times. I think it’s interesting that this is how God wants us to serve one another. This can involve something as small as cleaning up water spilled and left behind by someone else. And it can mean you put aside your urgent assignments to help someone who is in the last minutes of something.
Why the feet?
Jesus said that whoever bathes only needs to wash his feet and that the disciples were clean, although not all of them. This means that when you are saved, you are clean and only need to wash away any sin committed.
Now, the feet take you to places where you say or do bad things. So, the feet are evidence of your misdeeds. However, when they are washed away there will be no more trace of the sin. So when you wash the feet of others, you wash away the footprints of their sin.
How can you do this effectively?
God’s love is needed to wash the disciples’ feet. We can see this in the example of Jesus. Because the scriptures say that Jesus, having loved His own to the end, got up and began to wash the feet of the disciples. Furthermore, the scripture says that love covers a multitude of sins. So when you love others deeply, you will wash their feet and cover their sins. This does not mean that you encourage them to continue in sin. Rather, sustain that person with words of correction or admonition based on God’s words and love, and also in prayer. In addition, it will not expose you to more problems for the wrong done.
In addition, humility is needed to effectively wash the feet of the brothers. This is because some actions of love require you to be humble before you can carry them out. Therefore, allow the mind of Christ in you to come alive at all times towards others.
conclusion
As much as many Christians do not deserve to be served, Christ requires that you wash their feet as He did. However, he knows that the strength to achieve it is in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, turn to Him in prayer today and He will help you to always wash the feet of others as Jesus did. Now, should others include your family? The answer is yes because charity starts at home.