This or That?
Part 3
Why we practice foot washing at Word of Grace Church in Lancaster, PA
Much of the genius of early Anabaptism was the commitment to simply obey the commands and principles of the New Testament. When those in this movement read, “Do not resist the evildoer,” or “Go and make disciples … baptizing them …,” they sought to literally put those directives into practice, even at the cost of imprisonment and martyrdom.
Why shouldn’t we likewise take a simple, straightforward approach with the following words of Jesus, given shortly before His death? “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also 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” (Jn. 13:14–15, HCSB).
At Word of Grace Church, we practice foot washing once a year. Just as baptism reminds us of surrender and salvation (Acts 2:38), and as communion reminds us of sacrifice (1 Cor. 11:26), foot washing reminds us of servanthood.
To me, one of the most amazing passages in Scripture is this: “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands…So 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” (Jn. 13:3a, 4–5a).
I’m afraid that if I had been the one with everything—all power and authority—placed into my hands, I would have found a throne and scepter, not a basin and towel! But our King is One who came to serve and minister, not to be served.
What an incredible opportunity we have to practice what Jesus did for His disciples! The act of literally washing each other’s feet is so profound that it speaks volumes about the attitude of Christ. Yet it is also so elementary that even a child can grasp its importance.
At Word of Grace, we appreciate the physicality of foot washing. Throughout the centuries, even though God has changed the practices He calls us to, physical rituals that carry spiritual meaning have always been a part of honoring God, from animal sacrifices to water baptism.
With all the confusion about physicality and touch in modern society, I believe that foot washing is a practice that is God-ordained and spiritually designed. In almost a half century of participating in foot washing services, I cannot remember an occasion when this act was not meaningful to me.
Daryl Driver is pastor of Word of Grace, a church plant that meets in a bowling alley in Lancaster, PA. Daryl and his wife Kay have five adult children and three grandchildren.
Why we do not practice foot washing at Mechanicsburg Christian Fellowship in Mechanicsburg, OH
When I think about this subject, I ask myself—and us—did Jesus intend to create a lesson, a tradition, or both?
At the recent CMC Pastors Conference in Apple Creek, I was encouraged that every leader I spoke with appeared to have a deep interest and concern for those they were talking with. I was not part of a single conversation that made me think there was any comparison or competition. (In many leadership conferences I’ve attended during 12 years of ministry, I’ve often tired of the shallow façade of comparison and competition.)
The humility at the conference alone made me feel like the leaders were washing my feet. They were hospitable and met us where we were. This felt far more beneficial for Macy and me than someone literally washing our feet.
We all know that the disciples struggled with who was greatest among them (Mk 9:33–35), and how they desired great positions next to Him (Mk 10:35–45). In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, setting an example of practical hospitality, humility, and love. He was modeling that there is no low place His love will not go. He humbled Himself to take on the dirty, lowly job of the culture, and went on to die a death we were supposed to die.
But I don’t see where Scripture tells us to literally practice foot washing. I believe foot washing only makes sense if we make it culturally relevant. What good is it for me to wash Macy’s feet after she returns from the local Walmart spa receiving her twenty-dollar pedicure? Her little piggies better not need a thorough cleaning for a couple of weeks for that kind of money!
Joking aside, I believe it’s much more biblical for me to listen to her heart, pray with her, and help “wash her feet” by humbling myself and meeting an actual need in her life.
How do we see this happening at MCF? We encourage our congregation to be hospitable, honoring, humble, giving, and loving toward others. We work to find practical ways to lay down our agenda and meet the needs of others. We do this with money, time, encouragement, discipleship, forgiveness, and resources. The list could continue.
I’m reminded of James 2:15–17 where some people lightly offered encouraging words instead of meeting actual needs. Can the traditional practice of washing people’s feet cause us to miss the real life needs around us? At MCF, we apply Jesus’ humble example of foot washing by meeting the practical needs of those around us.
Joey Brown is pastor of Mechanicsburg Christian Fellowship in Central Ohio. He also serves as a track coach in the local high school, and is a coffee connoisseur, sports enthusiast, and proud pet owner along with his wife Macy.
One Response
In a world where so many of our interactions — and even worship experiences — are online — I wonder when and if the pendulum might swing back to greater “hands on” physicality in church. Last Sunday I talked to a woman who said her husband doesn’t come to church because he feels more “fed” by TV sermons. But is church all about just “being fed”? Isn’t it about doing things physically — showing up, kneeling, raising hands, laying on of hands, baking bread for the potluck, etc. The Quaker tradition spiritualized all physical acts — even water baptism and the communion bread/wine — physical symbols most Christian traditions maintain. Do you think there is any correlation between purposeful physical acts like dressing modestly and literally washing each others’ feet that help cement our faith in solid ways — in this ephemeral online environment?