Why You Need to Wash Your Feet Regularly

Daily Devotional – Thursday, November 25, 2021

He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean…

John 13:10 (NKJV)

After walking on the dry and hot sun-scorched Middle Eastern plains and villages, travelers would arrive home tired, with feet full of dust. For the rich, there would be slaves waiting to wash off the dust from the masters’ feet.

Slaves were the lowliest and most debased human beings in society. These individuals had no rights unless those granted to them by their owners. Slaves performed the most menial and debasing jobs.

That is why Peter was appalled and disgusted when Jesus offered to wash his feet. The firebrand disciple told Jesus, with finality, “You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8). Peter was not ready to see his Master reduced to the level of a slave.

If I Do Not Wash You…

The exchange between the two continued:

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

(John 13:8-9)

When Jesus threatened to disown Peter, the disciple dared the Lord to give him (Peter) a full body bath. This must have been one fiery discussion!

Through the ordinance of foot washing Jesus taught us servant leadership, as indicated in this summary, “… a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.” (John 13:16).

Why You Need To Wash Your Feet Regularly

In addition, John 13:10 bears another fundamental lesson. “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.” There is a difference between taking a full body bath and washing one’s feet.

By believing in Jesus and accepting Him as their personal Saviour and Lord, the disciples had bathed. However, since they would walk daily in the sinful dust of the earth, they needed to wash their feet regularly.  

The same is true of all Christians. After being born again, we continue to live in a world full of sin. In our interaction with others, our thoughts, words and actions may betray the faith we profess. We then find ourselves in need of God’s forgiveness and the pardon of other human beings.

The Need for Repentance and Confession

Jesus warns, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8). Sanctification is an ongoing process. We must return to Jesus in repentance and confession of sin every time we fall short of His glory. Only then do we remain in Jesus and Him in us.

Will you allow Jesus to wash the dust of sin from your heart as need arises?

Thank You Jesus for washing me with Your blood. Please continue washing my dirty feet every day.