Q/A Friday: Are Christians Obligated to Wash One Another’s Feet?

After Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in the Upper Room (John 13:1-14), he then turned to all of them and said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (vs. 15).

Some actually elevate it to the level of the institution of the Lord’s Supper or baptism (e.g., Moravians – an early Protestant denomination in the 15^th century or some Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Mennonites, Latter-Day Saints, etc.). Throughout history there have been times when the Pope would wash the feet of his cardinals or even the poor.

Are Christians obligated to wash one another’s feet (literally) on a regular basis. No, and here’s why.

• The Greek word upodaygma. Some argue since the word means “an exact replica” that we are to do exactly what Jesus did. However, the context of the disciples arguing who is the greatest and this foot washing being demonstrative of His entire life suggests the replica isn’t the exact act of foot washing but the attitude of serving others – even in the menial tasks. Jesus is not saying, “Do exactly what I do, but DO IT LIKE I do it.” Don’t forget the context Jesus speaks from.

• I Timothy 5:9-10. “Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.” However, this reference is not an example of universal foot washing but placed amongst a list of good deeds of hospitality. Foot-washing is not necessary, but something regarded as hospitable.

• There is no command in the Bible to wash one another’s feet. God is never silent or ambiguous when it comes to what He desires for us to do or expects of us.

• Jesus is not specific about foot washing as He is with baptism or communion. These other 2 institutions He clearly commanded to be observed (Matt 28:19-20; Luke 22:19).

So what is Jesus referring to? It certainly means we ought to serve one another. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Service is active not passive. Jesus got up (that’s an action), took off His outer clothing (that’s an action), wrapped a towel around His waist (that’s an action), poured water into a basin (that’s an action), and washed their feet (that’s an action). All of the Christian life is active; just because we have a sovereign God who already planned events in life; that never takes away human responsibility and opportunity to serve Him and others.

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