Article June 20, 1994 Issue

"Wash one another's feet"

Judith H. Hedrick

In the Middle East in Christ Jesus' time most people walked barefoot or wore sandals on unpaved paths. Their feet got very dusty. They were often washed by a servant before meals for purposes of cleanliness.

The book of John describes an incident that took place the evening before Jesus' crucifixion. After supper, Jesus unexpectedly got up, poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples' feet. His students must have been astonished. When he had finished, he said to them: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 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 13:12–15).

Dummelow's A Commentary on the Holy Bible explains that this deed included "lessons of humility and willing service to others." Jesus' act revealed the unselfish nature of his love and was an example of the degree of service that he expected from those who followed him.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Freedom from business cycles