The Bible Class

LESSON XLI. Washing of Feet

Questions to Lesson 41^*

When we have commenced the Christian race, by being baptized into Christ, we must do as the first Christians did. They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42. BIC 95.1

The apostles’ doctrine or teaching was all things that Jesus had commanded them. He sent them to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; “teaching them,” said he, “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20. He had commanded them to wash each other’s feet. John 13 (Read.) To obey their Lord’s instructions, they must have taught the disciples this. Some object that they did not enjoin it in their writings. Neither is the Lord’s supper there enjoined. This institution was abused by the church at Corinth; Paul hearing of it, corrects them in a letter. 1 Corinthians 11:20. In so doing he mentions the fact, that he had delivered it to them. Verse 23. But for this abuse, it is probable we never should have been informed, in their writings, that they obeyed the Lord by teaching this. BIC 95.2

As Jesus was washing his disciples’ feet, he said to Peter, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Verse 7. So after he had finished, he explained it. Said he, I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verse 15. BIC 96.1

1. Mark the importance attached to this: If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Verse 8. BIC 96.2

2. The meaning with respect to the person washed. Washing, as an emblem, signifies a cleansing from moral impurity. Ananias said to Saul, Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. Acts 22:16. Now observe the words of Jesus in verse 10. We will read from Campbell’s version, not because it differs in sense, but it is more easily understood. “He who has been bathing, needs only to wash his feet, the rest of his body being clean.” A person may bathe himself thoroughly, yet by walking a short distance his feet will be soiled and need washing. So with the Christian: though cleansed at the beginning of his pilgrimage, yet he walks in a polluted world, and can hardly escape defilement. Therefore self-examination and cleansing precede the Lord’s supper. 1 Corinthians 11:28. If the apostles needed cleansing, who does not? BIC 96.3

3. The lesson taught to the one who washes, is humility and brotherly love. Jesus “loved his own;” and though he knew that “he was come from God,” and was about to return to God, he got down and washed their feet. The Lord and Master set the example and then enforced it upon his disciples by this argument: The servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. Verse 16. This leaves no excuse to any servant who is not greater than his Lord. BIC 97.1