THE PURPOSE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF FEETWASHING

The Purpose in the Performance of Feetwashing

John 13:6-11

Introduction:

1.    The apostle's problem concerning the custom of feetwashing. vs.6-7
2.    The apostle's protest at the exemplary display of humility. vs. 8
3.    The apostle's perversion of the great spiritual reality. vs. 9-11

ld. The apostle's problem concerning the custom of feetwashing. vs. 6-7
Note: There was such a custom and the reason for the custom.
Gen. 18:4
Gen. 24:32
Judges 19:21
1 Sam. 25:41
Luke 7:44
The public baths and the trips home, and the washing at the door.
Feet get more dirt on the trip.

le. The problem stated by the apostle Peter. Vs.6
"Therefore" not "then", He comes to Simon Peter. Either Peter was the first in the group, or in order He comes to Peter, and all the while Peter is contemplating the meaning of all this.

Lit: "Lord, you yourself of me wash the feet?"

This is apparently the problem that faces him. He cannot explain it.

The reasons why:
1.  The host never washed the feet of his guests.
2.  The servants did not do this (Luke 7:44) and Jesus was acting the servant.
3.  The custom did not call for reciprocal washing.
4.  This washing was at the table instead of the door.
5.  This was not ordinary cleansing of the feet. For that was probably already done. Nothing is said about cleansing.

2e. The answer of the Lord to the apostle. Vs. 7
"What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."

1.  This is implicit evidence that it was not the custom. Neither Peter nor the other knew its significance.
2.  Furthermore this was essential to having a part with Christ, and not so with the custom. (vs. 8)
3.  Judas received this that night, yet he remained unclean not only of feet but of body. (vs. 10-11)
4.  This was commanded for disciples only (vs. 14), and surely the custom would not be so restricted.

Note: While the custom of the day was greatly changed so that the disciples were mystified as to the meaning of the exercise, it still retains enough of the essentials so that it may be used as a method for teaching new truth. This is called the law of apperception.

2d. The apostle's protest at the exemplary display of humility. vs. 8

le. The protest registered by the apostle. vs.8a "No, never shall you wash my feet into the age.

Even though this may be the custom, which it is not, Peter is convinced of one thing, namely this that the ceremony is upside down. The One who is the Lord and superior is washing the feet of the disciples and inferiors. This is not right. Peter's whole being revolts at this display of humility. It is too much for him, and therefore he revolts at the incongruity, and expresses himself in no uncertain terms.
That this act of Christ displays his humility can never be denied. That this is merely an act of humility and nothing more must be denied.

2e. The answer of the Lord to the apostle. vs. 8b
"If I do not wash you, you have no part with me."

1.  There must be the divine performance for the cleansing of any saint. "If I wash thee not."
There is no exception from this. Christ must do this work. He is the great high priest Who will cleanse defiled feet here­after.

2.  This will insure the conscious possession of some spiritual reality. "Thou hast."
"You have" refers to this. This possession is one consciously held and continuously held.
Except sin be cleansed the believer cannot hold consciously any spiritual reality.

3.  This points to an allotted portion bestowed by sovereign grace.
"No part" Cf. Luke 10:42; 2 Cor. 6:15
Cf. Matt. 24:51; Luke 12:46; Rev. 22:19, 20:6; Acts 8:21

That this portion may not refer to salvation is not too certain.
But it most surely includes some intimate relation with Christ.

4.  This marks some very intimate participation with Christ.
"With me."

Literally this means "in the midst of Me" (meta being the prep.). Cf. Luke 23:43 "With Me in paradise."

This does not mean mere association with, but intimate relation. Walking in the light includes the confession of sins, in evidence that the Word of God is operating in our lives, and guarantees that the blood of Christ keeps on cleansing us from sins, thus maintaining our fellowship with him.

Notes:
1.  Nothing in this scene fits the picture of mere humility by way of example. The humiliation comes to the apostle and not to Christ.
2.  This is something that was to be perpetuated, and a mere object lesson in humility hardly calls for this.
3.  The contention (Luke 22:19-24) came after this service, and could hardly provide the occasion for it.
4.  One thing is certain, if this is an ordinance to picture His own priestly ministry of washing spiritually defiled feet, then an experience like this for every believer would constantly remind him of the depths to which Christ had to descend to deal with sin.
This would certainly provide a motive for fleeing from sin.