As we answer this question let us keep in mind the things we have already learned. (1) The purpose of feet-washing was to cleanse the feet. (2) We must take into account who washed the feet. Most of the time the person himself washed his own feet, but in some cases it was not only considered an act of hospitality and a good work, but the menial task of a servant. Now, with this information in mind, we are ready to enter into the case of feet-washing that occurred in John the thirteenth chapter.
The events of John thirteen happened on the evening before Christ was crucified upon the cross. He had desired to eat the Passover with His disciples. That meal was held in an upper room. But, there was a disagreement among the Lord's disciples that very evening. An argument had developed among the disciples as to which one among them was to be considered the greatest. "And there was a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." (Luke 22:24). There is no indication that the disciples washed their feet when entering the upper room as was the custom of the Jews (Luke 13:10). There was 'strife among them' and the Savior took means to remedy the problem, and, being the Master Teacher that He was, He knew that a demonstration is better than a sermon any day. Therefore, He arose from the table and began to wash the disciples' feet. That Jesus was teaching the disciples a great lesson is quite evident from the context. He says, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." (John 13:7). Now Jesus was washing the disciples feet, yet He said, "You don't know what I am doing." The meaning obviously is: "Do not concentrate on what I am doing, but rather, see what I am teaching." And what was he teaching? A lesson of humility! If He, their Lord and Teacher, could humble himself to the position of a servant, they should strive to be of service to one another." And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:25,26). "If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done unto you." (John 13:14,15). Notice, Jesus said as and not what. He instructed them to follow His example, an example of service!
There is not the slightest indication or proof that washing of feet was ever practiced as a ceremonial rite in the New Testament church. To do it as an act of worship without authorization of God's Word, puts it in the category where it belongs, the Doctrines of Men. (See Matthew 15:8,9).
____________________________________________________________________
The events of John thirteen happened on the evening before Christ was crucified upon the cross. He had desired to eat the Passover with His disciples. That meal was held in an upper room. But, there was a disagreement among the Lord's disciples that very evening. An argument had developed among the disciples as to which one among them was to be considered the greatest. "And there was a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." (Luke 22:24). There is no indication that the disciples washed their feet when entering the upper room as was the custom of the Jews (Luke 13:10). There was 'strife among them' and the Savior took means to remedy the problem, and, being the Master Teacher that He was, He knew that a demonstration is better than a sermon any day. Therefore, He arose from the table and began to wash the disciples' feet. That Jesus was teaching the disciples a great lesson is quite evident from the context. He says, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." (John 13:7). Now Jesus was washing the disciples feet, yet He said, "You don't know what I am doing." The meaning obviously is: "Do not concentrate on what I am doing, but rather, see what I am teaching." And what was he teaching? A lesson of humility! If He, their Lord and Teacher, could humble himself to the position of a servant, they should strive to be of service to one another." And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:25,26). "If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done unto you." (John 13:14,15). Notice, Jesus said as and not what. He instructed them to follow His example, an example of service!
There is not the slightest indication or proof that washing of feet was ever practiced as a ceremonial rite in the New Testament church. To do it as an act of worship without authorization of God's Word, puts it in the category where it belongs, the Doctrines of Men. (See Matthew 15:8,9).
____________________________________________________________________
Turn your maybe into a made
Just Do It
Lovest Thove me!
God's Business
The end of 2011 message part 1
The end of 20011 message part 2.
The end of 2011 message part 3
336-310-5178
skype: stephen.harris45
No comments:
Post a Comment