Aside from baptism, many never observe the other ordinances of the church.
The disciples had no idea what lay ahead that night. I’m sure they thought they would go to bed after observing the Passover. Everything was getting ready to change and they didn’t understand. It was hard for God to give his Son. It was hard for Jesus to endure what he did. The purpose for these helps us know Jesus in a deeper relationship.
John 13: 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
There is a reason we continue the observance of communion and feet washing. Jesus had just finished doing something that surprised his disciples. He laid aside his outer garments and took a basin, water, and towel and began to wash their feet. They first observed the Old Testament Passover. He told them they could know the meaning. Regardless of our ability physically to participate, participation with the heart is a must. The water in the basin does nothing in itself; neither does the fruit of the vine or the bread. They don’t wash away our sins. Jesus was crucified one time and once was enough. As often as we do these things, it is to be in remembrance of Jesus. We learn more. As long as the church continues in this world, we are to do it. It connects us to Jesus. We are advised by the Lord to do it. It reminds us of the pain our Master went through; we must never forget his suffering. Because of his suffering, we don’t have to suffer the way he did. Our spiritual suffering was borne by the One who loved us. All our stripes were laid upon him. It is through these things—the bread, the cup, the water, the basin, and the towel—that we grow closer to the Lord. None of us are worthy. He alone is worthy. If we know these things, we realize how he feels toward us. This should draw us to a deeper relationship with him.
Peter didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus told him that he would understand it all soon. I want to understand the Lord more, don’t you? I want to know his wisdom. I want to feel his touch. When we observe these ordinances, we are touched by his love in a unique way. When we got saved it was unique. Baptism is another unique experience. Communion and feet washing bring a unique experience each time we observe them. Jesus told Peter that if he didn’t wash his feet he would have no part with him. It wasn’t about physical cleanliness. The physical suffering of Jesus was for our spiritual cause. We take part with him. That is what partaking means. Others don’t know it, but it’s a miracle to partake with the Lord. It’s very humbling and stirring to know what he did for us.
Jesus said if I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. He shed his blood, and his body was torn for us. The least we can do is accept him as Master. We’re reminded of our place as his servants and what a good Master he is. What we do tonight will help us in battles tomorrow. By remembering tonight what he did for us, we retain the connection in our heart. Jesus is here for us in all our situations. He will never forsake us. We remember that Jesus died so we would not have to. He, being God and man, accomplished it for us. That should make us thankful. Anything less than what Jesus did, would not have been enough.
Paul said in I Corinthians for as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. His coming is soon. We show the testimony of the Lord’s death as the answer for mankind. There will be a final communion, and Jesus will be at the head of the table in heaven.
If you do these things, you will be happy. Do it not as an act or a ritual, but do it for a person—Jesus Christ.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 