Foot Washing

The humble act of washing another's feet, a task normally reserved for the lowest servants. In John 13:1-17, Jesus stunned his disciples by washing their feet at the Last Supper, then declared, 'I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. No servant is greater than his master' (13:15-16). This act illustrated the servant leadership at the heart of Jesus' mission. First Timothy 5:10 lists foot washing among the good deeds of faithful women. Some Christian traditions practice foot washing as an ordinance, while all recognize its teaching on radical humility and loving service.