FEETWASHING

There has never been a time in the history of the Christian church, where the ordinance and its truths are needed so badly. The religious politics, hatred, jealousy and snobbery are an abomination to the God they confess to love (John 13:33-36).

A study in hermeneutics will establish the ordinance of Washing the Saint’s Feet. Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation. There are principles that have been proven reliable for centuries. These laws of interpretation are fundamental and vital for sound, honest interpretation.

The first principle of hermeneutics to be examined is the “context.” All scripture must be first studied within its context for an accurate interpretation. The old axiom, “A text without a context is only a pretext,” is a truth too often neglected by interpreters. One of the strongest and irrefutable proofs is the context of John 13.

Verse one pointed out the theme of the entire chapter and that is the total self sacrificing love of Jesus. The reader must place himself in context of the hour in which Jesus taught these two ordinances. One must forget the modern emphasis on the Lord’s Supper and the almost total neglect of Washing the Saint’s Feet of this day. Jesus taught His total self sacrificing love and humility. It was the first time any of the disciples had heard and seen these truths taught.

The first dramatic illustration Jesus gave, to teach His love and humility, was when He rose from the table to wash the disciple’s feet, Supper having been set or just beginning. This is why Washing the Saint’s Feet should be thought of as the second ordinance. It was instituted just before the Lord’s Supper, referred to later in the chapter.

Jesus gave the very direct command as Master and Lord in verse 14. They were commanded to literally wash one another’s feet. Jesus instituted the ordinance Himself. Later in the chapter the Lord’s Supper is pictured as the second illustration (third ordinance) of His ultimate love.

Jesus gave two beautiful and dramatic illustrations side by side. Both illustrated the same thing, His love and Calvary. No one could question their parallel.

How, in all eternity, could it be fair or honest to take one and make it an ordinance and then being filled with pride throw the other away? Both are commanded and must be obeyed. It would even seem more logical to throw the last away, never the first illustration. As a believer and interpreter, one must not ever accept one truth and then throw another truth beside it away.

FEETWASHING

Leave a Reply