Why Do I Need To Receive Footwashing?

“If I do not wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus said (Jn 13:8). Footwashing is not a symbolic ritual. It is a command from the Lord that you obey in order to have a part in His life.

God’s saving grace doesn’t end at baptism. His grace is a life-long gift. In order to participate in this lasting relationship, you need to accept footwashing from the Lord.

Like baptism, footwashing is a sacrament: a physical action the Lord commanded His believers to receive that carries the spiritual effect of salvation. Through baptism, the Lord Jesus cleanses us of all our past sins. Through footwashing, He prepares our feet to walk in the path that He has already laid: the way of righteousness that leads to His kingdom.

In following Jesus’ command, we also receive the spiritual teaching He conveyed. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him” (Jn 13:15-16). Just as our Master washed the feet of sinners, we who follow Him are called to shed the outer shell of our ego, to bend humbly in service, and to share Christ’s love with others.

How and when must we perform footwashing?