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Feet Washing

Discussion in 'Polls Forum' started by Bro. James Reed, Feb 20, 2005.

  1. Bro. James Reed

    Bro. James Reed New Member

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    As we also do not go around washing everybody's feet. It is a solemn occassion, done twice a year, usually, as a reminder of Jesus' teachings about self-sacrifice, serving our brethren, and to remind us that in the church no one is above another because we are all lowly sinners.

    I still don't understand why you would not want to include a practice that was practice by Jesus and his disciples.

    Do you have the Lord's Supper at your church? Do you believe that it is purely a reminder of his sacrifice for us and our being a part of his family? If you are not Catholic, then I assume that you believe this. Why then do you feel that you need to do it? Where did he say that this last supper was to be an ordinance of the church?

    How can you truly serve a brother in the church if you will not even lower yourself to do something as simple and as pure as what Jesus did when he knelt and washed his disciples' feet?

    Would you have told the Lord, "Lord, don't wash my feet. It's yucky! Just tell me the message without showing me the physical humility." He would have answered you as he did Peter.

    It is a shame that so many Americans view a simple Bible practice as a dirty habit that is too unworthy for them to stoop to do. We sure have a high opinion of ourselves, don't we? So many think they are above doing what Jesus did.

    It is sad. [​IMG]
     
  2. rlvaughn

    rlvaughn Well-Known Member
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    Trotter, I'm curious if you think it was OK as a "special event" at a "marriage seminar", but would not be OK as a "special event" (say once a year) at a church service? If so, why?
     
  3. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    I just cannot understand why anyone would get upset over an act of service that brings about a very humble spirit. Nothing about the whole thing is for show.
     
  4. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    \

    Absolutely not!! I would never mock what Jesus did. But what you advocate is not even close to what Jesus did. That is the reason why I believe it is ridiculous. He did not advocate such silliness as many today do. Jesus did not do what many are advocating on this posting. If you want to do the same thing as Jesus did then do it in the same context as Jesus did. Those folks only washed their clothes twice to six times per year and walked on dusty, dirty roads where animals walked too. So they would have gotten some manure on their feet. Why wash someone's feet when they don't need it? Go to a convalescent home or help the elderly and wash their feet. Ever been there?

    I've gotten much manure on my hands and clothes over the years. My dad was a dairy farmer. We even dipped out our own septic tank. So if you desire that lowly service then help someone out by serving them in that way.

    What Jesus did was to advocate the idea of not being afraid to get your hands dirty by helping someone and serving them.

    When I was a kid my brother tried to walk across a big lake of cow manure and fell in about three feet. I served him by helping him get the manure off him and get cleaned up. That is the sort of thing Jesus is talking about.
     
  5. rlvaughn

    rlvaughn Well-Known Member
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    Is there any reason we should assume that those who symbolize Jesus' teaching in a feet washing service do not try to live out that teaching on a daily basis? That seems kind of presumptuous.
     
  6. Purple Lady

    Purple Lady <img src=/PurpleLady2.jpg>

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    Amen. I have been in a couple of feet-washing services. It is a very humbling.
     
  7. WallyGator

    WallyGator New Member

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    Bro. James Reed,
    Thank you for your input on this thread. It Gives me Something to ponder and pray about. Foot-Washing is a beautiful picture of servanthood.
    WallyGator
     
  8. poncho

    poncho Well-Known Member

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    I was part of a foot washing service when I attended summer church camp. It was a very humbling and beautiful thing. If the love I experienced that night is just a small sample of the love Jesus has for us I can hardly wait to meet him face to face.
     
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