Why Did Christ Wash the Feet of the 12 at the Last Supper

Footwashing as an Ordinance

In John 13:1–17, the footwashing of the apostles takes place during the Last Supper, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet. This moment marks a tremendous show of humility and servanthood by Christ, prompting even Peter to question Him with alarm. Christ simply affirms the necessity of service. Today, the question of whether footwashing should be considered an ordinance of the Church, alongside baptism and the Lord’s Supper, is an interesting one that deserves some consideration.

In John 13, Jesus, the Master and Teacher, humbles Himself by washing the feet of His disciples, which is an act usually performed by servants.[footnoteRef:1] Peter initially objects, seeing this task as beneath the Messiah, but Jesus responds by saying, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8). This statement seems to indicate a deeper spiritual meaning to the act, beyond just physical cleanliness. Jesus also commands the disciples to follow His example: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). [1: Köstenberger, Andreas. Encountering John. Nashville: Lifeway, 2013.]

Footwashing here is symbolic of the service to which the apostles are to dedicate themselves. Jesus’ actions point toward His ultimate act of humility and service on the cross, where He would wash away the sins of humanity. It is interesting that He does this act of washing, though, first with the apostles before teaching them the sacrament of the Eucharist in the Last Supper.[footnoteRef:2] It is symbolic in this sense of the holy orders being conferred on the apostles. [2: Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.]

Indeed, Köstenberger notes that footwashing in John 13 is symbolic of the humility and cleansing associated with Christ’s ministry.[footnoteRef:3] Köstenberger argues that the passage shows Jesus demonstrating what His followers must be—humble servants. However, he stops short of suggesting that footwashing was intended as a formal ordinance like baptism or the Lord's Supper. Baptism symbolizes initiation into the Christian faith—it is an outward sign of grace touching the soul. The Lord’s Supper (Communion or Eucharist) memorializes Christ’s death and resurrection. Footwashing does not seem to hold the same theological weight in terms of grace being conferred. [3: Köstenberger, Andreas. Encountering John. Nashville: Lifeway, 2013.]

Morris also sees the importance of footwashing as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life rather than a ritual that must be repeated within the church as an ordinance or sacrament.[footnoteRef:4] Morris suggests that the act teaches humility and love among believers—which are core Christian virtues. However, it does not carry the explicit doctrinal foundation that connects it to the covenantal promises of God or to any sacramental grace, which are central to Christian ordinances. [4: Morris, Leon. Jesus Is the Christ: Studies in the Theology of John. Nashville: Lifeway, 1989.]

Throughout Christian history, footwashing has been observed in different ways by various traditions. Certain Christian denominations, such as the Anabaptists, Mennonites, and some Baptist groups, practice footwashing as a regular ordinance, interpreting John 13 as a command to be taken literally. However, the majority of Christian traditions, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and most Protestant denominations, do not recognize footwashing as a formal ordinance. They view the practice as illustrative rather than prescriptive. These churches emphasize the spiritual lesson behind the act but do not mandate footwashing as a recurring liturgical practice. Catholics, for instance, re-enact the footwashing of the 12 on Holy Thursday once a year and that is all.