The Bible says that the washing of feet existed as a practice of hospitality long before Jesus came to earth (Genesis 18:4; 19:2-3; 43:24; Exodus 40:31-32; Judges 19:21; 2 ,Samuel 11: 8). The preceding verses point out that the washing of feet was for practical reasons. Men wore thong-like sandals in the eastern world. Their main mode of transportation was walking. Their highway system consisted primarily of dirt roads. When they ate together in someone's home it was usually done in a reclining position in a semi-circle where one person's feet would be near another person's head or face (Isaiah 5:27; Mark 1: 7; Luke 7..36-46; John 13:1-15; 1 Timothy 5:10). When all these factors are considered foot washing in Bible times makes perfect, practical sense.

As He often did the Bible shows that Jesus used this common practice to teach a profound lesson: service and humility. In I Samuel 25:40-41 the Bible says that foot washing in the ancient world was a task reserved for servants. In washing the disciples feet (John 13:1-15) Jesus as their "lord and master" was showing them an example they would need never forget: Greatness is achieved by serving others (Matthew 20:20-28).

The Bible never says or suggests that foot washing be practiced as an act of worship. While the context of John 13 is the Passover meal, foot washing was not mentioned as a perpetual activity for the church to observe as an act of worship. The Lord's supper was (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Regarding foot washing Jesus said, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so 1 am. " [14/ "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. " (1 5) "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. " (16) "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. " (17) "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. "(John 13:13-17). This is a great lesson for modern man who sometimes forgets that he is not on earth to be served but TO serve.