Foot-washing

A practice of hospitality used by Jesus Christ to express his servanthood.

Foot-washing as a sign of courteous hospitality

Genesis 18:4 See also Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:21; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44

Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

Jesus Christ washes his disciples' feet

John 13:3–5 The washing of feet was a lowly task normally performed by a servant.

Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

As an example of servanthood for his followers

John 13:14 See also Matthew 20:26–27 parallel Mark 10:44–45; Luke 22:26–27; 1 Timothy 5:10

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

As a symbol of spiritual cleansing

John 13:6–10

He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.”