THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ORDINANCE OF FEETWASHING

The Performance of the Ordinance of Feetwashing

John 13:4-11

lc. The Portrayal of the performance of feetwashing. vs. 4-5

ld. The portrayal of his past ministry. Vs .4   Cf. Phil. 2:5-8

le. He decides to perform the will of the Father.
"He riseth from supper"

This is what He did in heaven when the fate of the world hung in the balance. Phil. 2:5-6.

2e. He divests himself of his transcendent glory.
"He laid aside his garments."

This is what He did when He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant. Phil. 2:7

3e. He dresses himself for the duties of service.
diezwsen - Greek word - "thoroughly girds himself."

This is what He did when He took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men and went to the Cross. Phil. 2:7-8 Linen is the symbol of righteousness. Cf. Rev. 19:8.

2d. The portrayal of his present ministry. Vs. 5

le. The water symbolizes the Word of God.

"Water" - this word stands by itself, without the article and therefore lays emphasis upon its quality, which is that of cleansing. Num. 19 is a wonderful picture of this service.

In the Feetwashing service we have the symbol of reality. The water of separation is made so by the ashes of the slain red heifer. That is what makes the water ceremonially cleansing.

The slain Lord Jesus in the Word is the thing that makes the Word cleansing. Eph. 5:26.

This water which Christ used came from a pitcher. This pitcher suggests the truth stored up in his Word.
Eph. 5:26 - Greek – tw loutow tou udatos en rhmati

"In order that He might sanctify her in that He has cleansed her with the washing of the water by means of the Word."

The aorists are constative, covering the entire work of sanctification.

Exod. 24 cf. with Eph. 5:25-27 Blood - Exod. 24:6 with Eph. 5:25 Book - Exod. 24:7 with Eph. 5:26 God - Exod. 24:10 with Eph. 5:27

2e. The washing symbolizes the application of the Word.
"poureth into a basin."

This pouring was a continuous process as the tense indicates.
This points to the continuous work of applying the word to the believer.
This water was poured out of the pitcher over the feet of the disciple and fell into the basin. It was thus running or living water, ever fresh and clean. (1 Pet. 1:23) The washing was of only parts of the body, as the Word for wash indicates. Cf. Lev. 15:11. Three words used here for wash.

3e. The wiping symbolizes the disposal of wickedness.
"And to wipe with the towel wherewith he was girded."
This towel was his righteousness. And by means of it the sin was completely done away.