The act of washing feet in the Bible was primarily associated with hospitality and servanthood. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, people used to wear sandals and walked on dusty and often dirty roads. Thus, washing one’s feet upon entering a home was a common custom to demonstrate respect and care for the guest’s well-being. In biblical times, a host would often provide a servant or a low-ranking household member to wash the feet of guests.
However, the concept of washing feet in the Bible goes beyond mere hospitality etiquette. It serves as a powerful symbol of humility, sacrifice, and servant leadership. One of the most notable instances of this act is found in the New Testament where Jesus, during the Last Supper, took off his robe, tied a
Washing feet is a common practice in the Bible, where it is usually used as a symbol of hospitality and humility. In the story of the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples that they should follow his example and wash each other’s feet (John 13:1-17). This was later interpreted by many Christian denominations as a directive to practice foot washing during Holy Week.
In the Old Testament, King David washed the feet of Saul (1 Samuel 24:4), a gesture that symbolized David’s willingness to serve as king even though he was not originally chosen for that position.
Foot washing can also be seen as an act of charity or humility, such as when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). In this case, it is not so much about showing respect for another person but rather about showing respect for yourself by acknowledging your own imperfections and looking for ways to improve them.
The Real Meaning of Foot Washing for Christians
John 13:2–17 recounts Jesus’ performance of this action. In verses 13:14–17, He instructs His disciples: 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.
Foot washing is a ritual of humility that helps to cleanse Christians that are affected by living in a world of sin.
Many Christians have partaken in some type of foot-washing ceremony, and it is most widely known to be held as a feature of the Maundy Thursday service. It exists in all major churches, practicing in eastern Orthodox churches, Anglican churches, Roman Catholic churches, and all major Protestant denominations. It is a ritual of humility that helps to cleanse Christians that are affected by living in a world of sin.
Hebrew Meaning of Washing Feet
Where did it come from?
In the gospel of John, there is a story of Jesus washing each of His disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. John 13:1–17 mentions Jesus performing this act. Specifically, in verses 13:14–17, He instructs them:
14 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
Following the customs of the time, it was not necessary for Jesus to clean the disciple’s feet because they would have already been washed by a servant when they entered the Upper Room. Jesus’ choice to wash the feet was to make a point about humble service towards others.
This was a strange time for the disciples because they had been arguing over who was the greatest one among them while waiting for Jesus’ arrival. Instead of tending to each other, they were comparing and competing. When Jesus stepped in to wash their feet, all the disciples were stunned into silence. Peter was profoundly against the Lord washing his feet, to which Jesus responded “unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8). This allowed Peter to be accepting of Jesus’ humility and love.
Spiritual Benefits of Feet Washing
What is a ceremony like?
All churches perform this ritual differently, but the purpose is still the same. While most hold the service on Maundy Thursday, others can hold the service once a month or even more. Take a look at your church and see what types of rituals and ceremony’s they offer surrounding food-washing.
A pastor will fill a large pitcher with warm water and place it along with a large bowl and towel at the head of the room. A normal worship service is usually conducted up until Communion begins. Those who are having their feet washed will come forward during the ceremony. During this time someone may read scriptures, such as John 13:1-11, or will offer up a prayer. Communion follows the ceremony.
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciple’ feet, however the disciples did not wash each other’s feet nor did anyone wash Jesus’ feet. Because of this, many pastors choose to wash the feet of the members of the congregation but do not have their feet washed.
However, there are also some congregations have a tradition of a foot-washing service in which everyone washes everyone else’s feet. With this tradition, men and women are typically separated into two separate large rooms away from the main chapel.
Some weddings will even hold a foot-washing service for the bride and groom to show each other honor and humility. Christians do not need to wait until Maundy Thursday to find a place to hold the ritual. These rituals can be incorporated into almost any occasion.
Do we have to wash the feet of others?
No! Many Christians like to show their humility and love in other ways that do not require the literal washing of feet. Some churches will promote this to help strengthen the bond within their congregation. Other ways you can symbolically wash the feet of those you want to be of service to include:
- Engage in a random act of kindness
- Leave flowers on a friend’s doorstep
- Call someone just to check in on how they are doing
- Share words of love and appreciation
- Make amends for something you have done that may have been hurtful
- Stand up for those who are unable to do so for themselves
- Support someone, despite if you agree with their choices
- Lend a listening ear to someone going through tough times
- Bring a new person to your church
- Use your God-given gifts in new ways
