Is it just an example of humility and serving others, or does it
symbolize the ongoing forgiveness of sins paid for by Christ's death?
Jesus says that if we do not forgive others, he will not
forgive us.
Jesus says that we should forgive our brother not just
seven times but seventy seven times.
Paul says that sometimes the good that he wants to do,
he can't and the evil that he doesn't want to do, he keeps on doing (Romans Ch
7). If Paul found it difficult to stop sinning after his
conversion/baptism, then surely we are no different.
Hebrews tells us that Christ sacrificial death was a
once and for all sacrifice. Priests in the Old Covenant had to sacrifice
sin offerings year after year but Christ's death is sufficient to pay for all
our sins, even the ones we haven't committed yet!!
Foot washing symbolizes the ONGOING FORGIVENESS OF
SINS paid for by Christ's once and for all sacrifice.
How should we be
following Christ's example?
We may not literally have to wash our brother's feet,
but we do need to keep forgiving our brother when he sins against us. This
is what is meant by you should also wash one another's feet.
Otherwise, why would Jesus have said "A
person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet"
See Message - The significance of Foot Washing
See Message - How many
times should we forgive our Brother?
