Washing of feet is a religious rite practiced by some Christian denominations as a re-enactment of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper. While the rite is not universally practiced across all Christian denominations, it holds special significance for those that observe it as a commemoration of Christ’s act of humility and service.
What does foot washing symbolize in Christianity?
In Christianity, foot washing carries deep symbolic meaning as an act of humility, service, and love. As described in the Gospel of John, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper to set an example of servant leadership. He told his followers: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15). By taking on the lowly task of washing his followers’ dusty feet, Jesus demonstrated that those in positions of leadership and authority should not hesitate to serve others with compassion. His act of foot washing signifies that all Christians, regardless of status, are called to love one another through humble service.
What denominations practice foot washing?
While not all Christian groups practice foot washing, it is most common among these denominations:
- Seventh-day Adventists
- Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)
- Pentecostals
- Mennonites
- Some Baptist groups
- Some Anglican/Episcopal churches
- Some Methodist churches
- Some Lutheran churches
- Some Catholic churches
In these denominations, foot washing is seen as an important act of faith, humility, and service to others. It may be practiced regularly as an ordinance, or only periodically such as during Holy Week services.
When do denominations practice foot washing?
The timing and frequency of foot washing rituals varies across denominations:
- Seventh-day Adventists: Practice foot washing along with the Lord’s Supper/Communion typically 4 times per year.
- Church of God: Practice foot washing on Holy Thursday as well as periodically throughout the year.
- Pentecostals: May practice foot washing during revival services or other occasions.
- Mennonites: Practice foot washing 2-4 times per year or when new members join the church.
- Baptists: Some Baptist groups practice foot washing on Maundy Thursday.
- Anglican/Episcopal: May practice foot washing on Maundy Thursday.
- Methodist: Typically practice foot washing on Maundy Thursday.
- Lutheran: Some Lutheran churches practice foot washing during Holy Week.
- Catholic: Some parishes include foot washing as part of Holy Thursday Mass.
As these examples show, foot washing rites are most commonly held in conjunction with Holy Week or Easter services commemorating Christ’s washing of the disciple’s feet before his death and resurrection.
How is foot washing practiced?
The foot washing ritual itself takes place in a few different forms depending on the denomination or local traditions. Here are some of the most common practices:
- The pastor or other designated church leaders wash the feet of members of the congregation.
- Congregation members wash the feet of other members.
- Spouses wash each other’s feet.
- The rite takes place during a worship service focused on service and humility.
- Participants take turns washing each other’s feet with water and a towel.
- Prayers and Bible readings emphasizing servant ministry accompany the ritual.
- The foot washing service is sometimes associated with the Lord’s Supper/Communion.
Regardless of the exact protocol, foot washing ceremonies generally take their inspiration from Christ’s example of taking on a servile role to demonstrate love through humble action.
What instructions or rules guide the foot washing ritual?
Churches that practice foot washing provide varying degrees of guidance or requirements to follow during the ritual. Some common instructions include:
- Wash one foot first, then the other.
- Dry each foot completely after washing.
- The water used should be warm and in a basin or bucket.
- If washing another’s feet, kneel or sit before the person.
- Participants should ceremonially wash their hands or say prayers before and after.
- Men wash men’s feet, women wash women’s feet.
- Foot washing should be accompanied by prayers, songs, or Scripture readings.
- Jesus’ act of washing the disciples feet should be remembered.
- Participants should have an attitude of humility, love, and service.
While the particular steps involved can vary, most foot washing ceremonies emphasize carefulness, humility, and spiritual reflection on Christ’s example.
What prayers or scriptures are used during the foot washing ritual?
Foot washing services incorporate scriptural readings, songs, and prayers centered around Jesus’ servanthood and Christ’s command to love one another. Here are some biblical passages commonly associated with foot washing:
- John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes his disciples feet at the Last Supper.
- Matthew 20:24-28 – Whoever wants to become great must become a servant.
- Mark 10:42-45 – Instruction to humble oneself and serve others.
- Philippians 2:5-8 – Attitude of humility exemplified by Christ.
- 1 Peter 5:5-7 – Humble yourself before others.
- 1 Timothy 5:9-10 – Washing feet mentioned as a good work.
Prayers and songs during the service also emphasize servanthood, sacrifice, and Christ’s love. Overall, the ceremonial prayers and readings serve as reminders to humbly serve one another.
What are some hymns sung during foot washing services?
Some hymns commonly sung during foot washing ceremonies include:
- “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”
- “Brother, Let Me Be Your Servant”
- “When I Needed a Neighbor”
- “Whatsoever You Do”
- “Here I Am, Lord”
- “Hallelujah! We Shall Rise”
- “For the Fruit of All Creation”
- “Help Us Accept Each Other”
These hymns remind participants that Christ calls Christians to serve one another, regardless of status or position. The songs reflect themes of humility, service, sacrifice, and unity with fellow believers.
Conclusion
For denominations that practice foot washing, the rite carries deep spiritual meaning as a commemoration of Christ’s servanthood and command to love others through humble service. While not all Christians wash feet, this ritual remains an important tradition among groups such as Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Church of God, and others who wish to physically emulate Jesus’ striking act of humility. When performed in the right spirit, the washing of feet reminds believers to put selfish pride aside and care for others out of pure, selfless love.