By: Juliet Constantine

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:5-8 NKJV)
 

He wasn’t proud. That wasn’t his reason for refusing to be washed. Instead, he felt the opposite. He thought Jesus had it the wrong way – he should be the one washing his Master’s feet, not his Master washing his! Didn’t the other disciples realize it, he pondered. After all, it was the job of a servant. How could he allow his Master to function like a servant to him? He wouldn’t let it happen! It was unthinkable! He wouldn’t allow Jesus to stoop so low. Peter couldn’t refrain himself. He said emphatically, “You shall never wash my feet!” But the gentle, yet firm response of Jesus brought clarity to the reality of the situation. “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.”

Was Peter wrong in not wanting Jesus to do the servant’s job? It was a natural reaction. John the Baptist had similar reaction when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John forbade Him as he felt he needed to be baptized by Jesus, not the other way around. But Jesus’ gentle words reminded him that history was in the making, as all righteousness would be fulfilled. Jesus knew, though He had no sin, that His baptism was an essential act in the plan of salvation. At His words, John gladly baptized his Master.

Baptism is one of the central truths, a pillar of the Christian faith that shows the beginning of cleansing – the decision to relinquish sin and sinful practices in favor of the Cross of Christ. And the foot-washing ceremony – usually done at Communion Service – is a mini-baptism in the cleansing process. Hence, Jesus’ words to Peter, “If I wash you not …”

There are many sincere souls who do not believe in baptism by immersion and still others who do not believe in the foot-washing ceremony. Both are two examples that Jesus laid down as necessary in our walk of faith. Just making a profession of faith isn’t enough. Through baptism, you publicly show to the world that you are now on a different ‘road’; and as a maintenance of this cleansing and a means to keep you humble, you gladly wash your brethren’ feet. Refusing to be baptized is a strong indication that sin is not forsaken and you are not willing to give it all up. Refusing to wash your feet indicates that you are clean and there’s no need for the mini cleansing.

One of my favorite Christian authors wrote that “The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two monumental pillars, one without and one within the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God. Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (EGW TC V6 pg 91)

Now I clearly understand what Jesus meant when He said “If I do no wash thee, you have no part with me.” Through the act of baptism and foot-washing, we show and continue to show to the world that we have renounced the world and its sinful practices, and have embrace God’s plan to save us. As we daily surrender to God, we are empowered to live the victorious life and enjoy continued communion with Him. We have become children of God and will have our part in His kingdom. Now suppose you were asked to do something, a perquisite to gaining something of great worth, would you do it?

Thank You Father for the examples Jesus left us; baptism to show full cleansing, and the foot-washing ceremony as a mini cleansing as we tend to slip along the way. Please Lord; make us humble as we serve in Your cause, esteeming each other better than ourselves. Keep us clean from sin, we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)