The footwashing that the Lord Jesus instituted is more than a mere custom. According to tradition, slaves washed the feet of the master, never the reverse. The Lord, however, washed the feet of His disciples even though He was their master. Peter, not realizing the significance of this footwashing, refused to be washed by the Lord (Jn 13:6,8). Footwashing is directly related to salvation for the following reasons: - Jesus told Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me" (Jn 13:8). To receive footwashing is to have part with the Lord. As such, footwashing cannot be simply a custom.
- Jesus also said, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean" (Jn 13:10). A person who is baptized needs also to receive footwashing.
Though formerly a custom, footwashing became a sacrament that carries great spiritual power and effect after the Lord Jesus performed it and explained its meaning and efficacy and commanded His disciples to do likewise.
| 
