Learning From the Foot Washing Ceremony of Passover

Tom Robinson, a senior writer for The Good Newsmagazine, gave the following three messages in March 2014 on the biblical Passover ritual of washing feet. At first glance, you wouldn't think it would make for so much material, but it does. There is a lot to learn from this important Passover ceremony. In fact, the seven areas that he covers are very rich with layers of meaning.

These are a very good accompaniment to your preparation for the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread this year.

An outline of the points covered is below to go with your study as you listen.

Seven Meanings of the Foot Washing, Part 1

Seven Meanings of the Foot Washing, Part 2

Seven Meanings of the Foot Washing, Part 3

What Does the Foot Washing Ceremony Picture?

1. Humility and Loving Service to Others

• Hospitality
• Lowliness of mind
• Servant leadership
• Forgiving one another
• Honoring all without partiality
• Following Christ's example of loving service

2. Being Cleansed From Our Walk in This World

• He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet
• God's way of life is described as a walk
• Ritual cleansing
• We are to avoid uncleanness in our walk
• We still sin but Christ cleanses us

3. Submitting to the Need for Christ's Sanctification

• Sanctification is the process of being made holy
• The one washing also represents Christ
• If Christ does not sanctify us, we have no part with Him
• Must submit to God even if strange or uncomfortable

4. Being Freed From Sin Ruling Over Us

• The fourth question about reclining
• Power of sin broken at repentance and the acceptance of Christ
• Footwashing was in conjunction with rest
• We find relief and security in God's forgiveness through Christ
• Our feet rejuvenated to walk in God's way

5. Being Cleansed for Service as Christ's Messengers

• Church is a spiritual priesthood
• Beautiful feet of those bringing good news
• Message in both word and action
• Rejection of God is to be shaken off

6. Being Welcomed and Welcoming Others Into the Household of God

• Passover pictures the communion of the Church
• The Church is the household of God
• We as the Church must display His hospitality

7. Keeping Sin Out of God's House

• Don't track it into the fellowship of the Church
• Looks forward to days that follow
• Looking forward to God's Kingdom