The Significance of Foot Washing

"He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him." John 13:4-5

When the Lord Himself would stoop to the humblest and lowest act of service and wanted to teach His disciples to do the same, the washing of feet was the one He chose.

During His earthly walk, Jesus saw all humble deeds in both their present and future dignity. He knew how and why it was that he who would be greatest must be the servant of all. He connected service and reward together. In His mind, all humble deeds of service were invested with great dignity. Jesus never did a humble deed, or took up a menial position, or uttered a lowly speech, without a consciousness of the true nobility attached to them. Therefore, with great joy He performed all His humble service!

It is just here that we fail. We have little power of association. We isolate our humble services and deeds from their eternal principles and thoughts, and then our services become burdensome and our duties become toilsome--and failure is too often the result. Let us realize the nobility of any humble service and remember that our now all-glorious Redeemer once said, "I am among you as One who serves." Luke 22:27

Life and common every-day service and duties will wear a new aspect to us when we see them tending to such a glorious consummation! We shall have fresh heart and energy when we realize that the future will compensate abundantly for them.

"So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, YOU OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET; for I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you." - John 13:14-15

- Philip B. Power