The purpose of this article is to discover the meanings of the foot-washing ordinance as it is found in the

thirteenth chapter of the book of John. Christianity is not about following rituals or ordinances without
knowing their meaning. God is interested in the hearts and motives of individuals. Ordinances have a
much more powerful influence on the life of the individual when there is a clear understanding about the
meaning behind the ordinance. After reading this article, I hope that Christians, and non-Christians, may
have a richer experience when partaking, or observing, the foot-washing ordinance.
It has been said that when Neil Armstrong set his foot on the moon for the very first time, he spoke the
words that are today internationally famous, This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for
mankind (NASSA, 2013, July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap For Mankind, par. 11)1. That famous footprint has
been on the moon for more than 40 years now. However, Jim Irwin was the last man to apparently visit
the moon, and he said something that to me is even more profound. He said that Jesus walking on the
earth is more important than man walking on the moon (Ellis, 2011)2. This article is going to discuss an
important ordinance that started with the feet of Jesus.
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After 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. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou
wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know
hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not,
thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head. Jesus 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. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
So 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? 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.
1

July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap For Mankind. (2013). NASA. Retrieved 3 January, 2014, from
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_40th.html
2

Ellis, M. (2011). Encounter with Jesus on the moon left astronaut changed. Breaking Christian News. Retrieved December 17,
2013 from http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8606

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For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these
things, happy are ye if ye do them (John 13:4-17).
In the last verse of this passage, Jesus clearly ordains this ordinance of foot-washing for Christians to
follow. Jesus is not just commanding His disciples to follow this ordinance, but it is a commandment for all
Christianity. The same blessings He wanted the disciples to receive, He wants Christians to receive today.
If Jesus tells Christians to partake of this ordinance, then it obviously must be of vital importance. Jesus
does not provide Christians with the liberty to choose whether they want to participate or not. Jesus sees
it as something essential.
In certain cultures, especially some cultures in Asia, the foot is the lowest, dirtiest part of the body and it
might be very difficult for these cultures to grasp the significance of this foot-washing ordinance. Most of
the people in Asia are not Christians, and thus it cannot be expected from them to understand the
meaning of this ordinance. However, because of their cultural understanding of feet, it might be more
difficult for them to accept or respect Christianity because they do not fully understand the real meaning
of this ordinance. By sharing the meaning with these non-Christians, we can create opportunities to reach
out to them and live together with a mutual understanding. But this article is also important for
Christians. As I have travelled, I have noticed that many Christians have a blurred understanding of this
ordinance. The ordinance has become a mere ritual to some. At a certain church I visited, the pastor
shared a concern with me. He had noticed that when this ordinance was scheduled for the congregation,
that many of the members would not show up at church. It seems to be too humiliating for them to
participate in this ordinance. He invited me to share to his members about the importance and meaning
of this ordinance. In other scenarios, foot-washing has turned into mere foot-sprinkling or foot-rinsing. Let
us keep foot-washing at foot-washing. It is thus very clear that this topic is relevant for both Christians
and non-Christians alike for personal growth and understanding.
The first meaning of the foot-washing ordinance
From reading the texts in John, there is at least one meaning that is very clear. Jesus says in verse 10 that
Jesus 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). Jesus is referring to the baptism. When individuals are baptised, they
bath their whole bodies from the stain of sin. After baptism, however, the individual still might fall back
into sin if he does not continually abide in Christ. It is then necessary to get baptised again? Jesus gives us
the answer. It is only the feet that need to be washed again. The first meaning is thus that the footwashing ordinance is a symbol of washing the heart from the stain of sin. Christ had come to wash the
heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher
cleansing included in the lower (The Desire of Ages, page 646). When individuals partake of the footwashing ordinance, they are thus accepting a lower and a higher cleansing that comes from God. By
rejecting to partake in this ordinance, individuals are indirectly rejecting the cleansing power of God. The
Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-Day Adventists (1981) confirms that The Master ordained the service of
foot washing to signify renewed cleansing (p. 6)3. The vow and commitment towards God and His
purpose for the individuals life are renewed and restored. This first meaning of the foot-washing
ordinance has a direct influence on the persons personal relationship with God.
3

Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists. (1981). Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association.

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The second meaning of the foot-washing ordinance

The Bible, talking about Jesus, says in verse 11 that For he knew who should betray him; therefore said
he, Ye are not all clean (John 13:11). Jesus washed all their feet. This event took place before His
crucifixion and the other disciples did not yet know that Judas will betray Jesus. However, verse 11 reveals
that at this point in time Jesus already knew who was going to betray Him. Jesus already knew that Judas
was going to be the one that would betray Him, but still He washed the feet of Judas. This is a profound
thought. Jesus sets an example that every Christian should follow. Jesus forgives His enemy, before His
enemy even commits the evil against Him. That shows the amazing forgiveness of our God. The second
important meaning of the foot-washing ordinance is thus reconciliation. Reconciliation one with another
is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was instituted. By the example of our Lord and
Master, this humiliating ceremony has been made a sacred ordinance (The Review and Herald,
November 4, 1902, par. 10). It is easier to wash the feet of a close friend, than to wash the feet of an
enemy. Jesus encourages Christians to make peace with their enemies, and to show this by being able to
wash each others feet. Jesus washed the feet of a man that He knew was going to cause His death. He
treated Judas in the same way He treated all of His other disciples. The outward foot-washing can point to
a change of heart. Where the first meaning of the foot-washing ordinance was directly related to the
individuals personal relationship with God, the second meaning is directly related to the individuals
personal relationship with humanity, especially their enemies. If reconciliation cannot take place between
the individual and the other party, then they should not be joining in this holy ordinance, because the
heart is not as God requires it to be.
The third meaning of the foot-washing ordinance
In ancient Judean culture, and perhaps still today, it was expected from the host to wash the feet of the
guest. This was a sign of hospitality and respect. In this story, Jesus is the guest and the disciples are the
hosts. However, they did not wash Jesus feet. Jesus takes the initiative and He starts to wash the feet of
His disciples. This shows us how humble Jesus really was. Christ's followers are to bear in mind the
example of Christ in His humility. This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should never be termed
humiliating, in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to tender our hearts toward one another.
Those who come to the sacramental service with their hearts open to the influences of the Spirit of God
will be greatly blessed, even if the ones who officiate are not benefited thereby (The Review and Herald,
June 22, 1897, par. 9). We can thus clearly see that the third important meaning of the foot-washing
ordinance is to encourage humility. Jesus does not just tell Christians to be humble people, but He leads
by example. Humility is a theme that is presented throughout the whole Bible and forms a part of
Christian character. Jesus says that For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). The King of the entire universe washed the feet of sinful
human beings. This is one aspect that separates Christianity from other major world religions. The
Christian God exceeds His creations in power and majesty, but yet He loves them as if they are His equal.
Those who thus partake or observe the foot-washing ordinance must understand this principle. Even
when the world esteems one soul above another, Christians should be able to treat each other as equals,
because they are all equal in Gods eyes. Christians should be ready to put aside personal preference to
serve others. This important meaning of humility is the third meaning that can be learnt by partaking and
observing the ordinance of foot-washing. Humility has a direct influence on the relationship with God, but
it also has a direct influence on relationships with other individuals.

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The fourth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance

When examining the context of the story, there is also an important fourth meaning to be understood. In
the time of Jesus, it was the scribes and Pharisees that were the most respected people in the Jewish
nation. These two groups of people were well educated in the Bible and the people respected them. This
caused pride and self-exaltation to build up in the hearts of some scribes and Pharisees. Some believed
that they were more important than the other Jewish people, and even more holy. Some believed that
they could only mix with people who were on the same social level as they were. Some people started to
respect Jesus just as much as they respected the scribes and the Pharisees, because when Jesus taught
from the scriptures, He spoke as one who had authority. We read about this in Matthew 7:29. Jesus
wanted to show people that it is not important to achieve the highest place. There is in man a disposition
to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for himself, to serve himself, to seek the highest
place; and often evil-surmising and bitterness of spirit spring up over mere trifles. This ordinance
preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness,
down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of spirit that will lead him to wash his brother's
feet (The Review and Herald, May 31, 1898 par. 10). Here it can clearly be seen that destroying selfexaltation and practicing humility goes hand in hand. The fourth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance is
thus to destroy self-exaltation and this process precedes meaning number three which is to practice
humility. First, God wants to destroy the self-exaltation in the persons life. When the self-exaltation is
destroyed, then the person does not seek the highest position. The person also does not serve himself or
work for himself. The person does not esteem himself more highly than his brother, but rather sees him
as his equal. This is the fourth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance. However, Jesus does not leave the
Christian here. After the fourth meaning is implemented in the life, then Christ points the Christian to the
third meaning. Christ wants the Christian to practice humility. Now, instead of the Christian just seeing
other people as his equal, Christ shows that Christians should be willing to put their personal preference
aside for the sake of others. The third and fourth meanings of this ordinance are thus intertwined
together, and directly impact the Christians relationships with people and with God.
The fifth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance
This fifth meaning is also based on a broader theme that can be traced throughout the whole Bible. The
fifth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance is that of service. The ordinance of feet washing is an
ordinance of service when this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into holy
relationship with each other, to help and bless each other (The Signs of the Times, May 23, 1900 par. 1).
The emphasis here is on whether the ordinance is rightly celebrated or not. Christians who do not rightly
celebrate this ordinance and understand the true meaning, can never fully obtain all the spiritual
blessings and benefits that can be attained. This ordinance has a direct influence on the Christians
relationships with other people. It will teach Christians to help and bless other people. Jesus says that
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant (Matthew 20:27). It is commonly
believed that the best leaders in the world are those who served others first. When people can see that
someone is willing to work and sacrifice personal time and effort, and not just give orders, then they have
more respect for that person. Service changes the world. The book of Philippians shares the following
good news: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the
form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:5-7). Jesus was in the form of God,

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but he took the form of a servant when He came to earth. That is the example that is set for Christians to
follow. The fifth meaning of the foot-washing ordinance is thus to encourage a life of service for
Christians, just as Christ lived a life of service for others.
Conclusion
The ordinance of foot-washing has five powerful meanings that should be understood. Firstly, when
Christians wash each others feet, it is a symbol of cleansing the heart from the stain of sin. Even when
Christians fall into sin after baptism, they can still have the assurance that Christ can cleanse them from
all unrighteousness. Secondly, the ordinance of foot-washing also teaches people about true
reconciliation. By washing each others feet, two individuals, or more, can show that true reconciliation
has taken place and that the love of Christ rules in the heart once again. Thirdly, the ordinance of footwashing teaches Christians to be humble. Being humble does not only mean to treat other people like
equals, but it means that Christians will consider the needs of others before considering their own needs.
Fourthly, when Christians partake in the foot-washing ordinance, it will destroy their self-exaltation. This
is the process where Christians are encouraged to not seek the highest place for themselves. Lastly, when
Christians partake in the ordinance of foot-washing, they are reminded that Christ came as a servant of
men, and He calls them to a life of service for others. Jesus tells His believers that If ye know these
things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17). Jesus gives a beautiful promise. If Christians understand
the meaning of this ordinance, and practice this ordinance, because they understand the real meaning,
and not just because they have too, then Jesus promises that they will experience happiness. The
ordinance of feet washing is an ordinance of service. This is the lesson the Lord desires all to learn from it.
He desires us to think of its whole meaning, not merely of the act of outward cleansing (The Signs of
the Times, May 23, 1900 par. 1, emphasis is mine). Foot-washing has become a mere ritual where most
people do not understand the meaning. Jesus did not give us the foot-washing ordinance just because He
wanted us to have clean feet. There are more profound meanings. He intended this ordinance to not just
clean our feet, but to touch our hearts as well. Satan is trying to turn our attention away from the real
meanings of the foot-washing ordinance. He is satisfied with people who merely practice the ordinance
without understanding the meanings. Satan worries less about clean feet than about clean hearts. May
all Christians around the world rejoice in this wonderful ordinance that Christ has given and experience
the wonderful blessings revealed in the true meanings of this ordinance.

I would like to hear from you! Please forward your questions, comments or corrections to my email
address below. If you have sincere love for Gods Word, have found some of my articles meaningful or
helpful and would like to support this ministry, please also contact me by using the email address below:

ArminKritzinger@live.com
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