The washing of feet

      John 13:14-15 reads, “If I then, 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 should do as I have done to you.” Does this passage command us to wash one another’s feet today?  Let’s take a closer look.

In the above text, this was the night of Christ betrayal. After supper being ended with His disciples, Christ got up and began to wash their feet. Why did He do this? Obviously, the Lord was going to teach His followers a lesson on humility and the need to put others ahead of themselves. So, yes, there are times one might literally wash the feet of a guest that has come in with dirty and weary feet.

But is this a command for all people? To show that Jesus was teaching a principle and not a literal act for all times, consider Luke 7:36-50. This is where Jesus was invited to a home and when the sinful woman came in a washed Christ’s feet with her tears, He perceived the bad attitude of the man who invited Him. Christ said these words, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for My feet, but she washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.” (vs. 44).

Now, consider what Jesus said in John 13, and here in Luke 7. Was Jesus playing the hypocrite? Why didn’t Jesus get up, ask for water and then wash the feet of the one who invited Him into his home? The fact is, it wasn’t the Lord’s place to do that. Foot washing isn’t a command. It is a custom of that day that provided an opportunity for people to show humility. The man in Luke 7, was arrogant and was selfish in his thinking.

Even though we don’t have the custom of washing the feet of our guests today, that doesn’t mean that opportunities to show humility have disappeared. On the contrary, there are many ways saints can show selflessness. One can sacrifice time, money and energy to show honor to another, as we are commanded (Rom. 12:10).    

                                                                                                                                                                                               Chuck

Looking for souls like Cornelius

     If you are not familiar with the conversion of Cornelius and his household, please read Acts 10 and 11. I will point out some of the wonderful qualities this man possessed that aided him in becoming a Christian.

     We are told that Cornelius, even though he was not saved, believed in God and prayed often (Acts 10:2). Though these qualities did not automatically save him, they were essential for him to seek God on His terms. Thus, when the Lord told Cornelius to send for Peter so he could hear how to be saved (11:14), he did not get upset. Too often people allow pride to stand between them and salvation. Cornelius could have closed his mind and decided that he had done enough to be saved already, but His desire for righteousness was earnest.

     Another quality that aided Cornelius was his humility. When Peter came to Cornelius, he immediately fell down to worship him (10:25). Though Peter told him that he should not be worshipped (verse 26), Cornelius’ humble disposition is evident. This attitude was key for Cornelius and his entire household (10:47-48) to carefully listen to and obey Peter’s instructions.

     Also notice how Cornelius desired for others to hear the message of salvation. We are told that when Peter came, Cornelius had many people gathered for the apostle to teach (10:27). What a delight this must have been for Peter! What teacher of God’s word wouldn’t light up with joy when they find many people assembled and ready to learn? This is as true today as it was for early Christians.

     Cornelius’ example shows why it is critically important to pray for those seeking the truth. Not only will our prayers help them directly, but that same aspiring Christian might be encouraged to bring others to their studies too. Those earnestly longing for salvation will want others to be saved as well. If you are not a Christian, please consider Cornelius’ example and earnestly seek the Lord.

                                                                                                                                                                                   Chuck