The Ordinance of Preparation; Humility; Service – Foot Washing

This ordinance is Christ’s appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance,
and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ. We are not
prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus appointed
the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed. {CCh 300.2} Counsels for the Church
As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the
Lord of life and glory: “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say
well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one
another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 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. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:12-17. {CCh 300.3}
There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek
the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance
preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his
selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve
his brother. {CCh 300.4}
The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of
conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is
there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy
Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour’s
humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up,
memories of God’s great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. {CCh 300.5}
Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy
relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish
ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master’s was. The
world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand.
Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did.
{CCh 301.1}
Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again
be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with
Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry. {CCh 301.2}

Test of the Heart

This ordinance of feet washing was made a religious service.... It was given as something to test and
prove the loyalty of the children of God. When modern Israel observes the sacramental ordinance,
this ceremony should precede the partaking of the emblems of the Lord’s death. {Ev 275.3}
This ordinance was given for the benefit of Christ’s disciples. And Christ meant all that He said when
His lips uttered the words, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you....
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” He designed by this to test the true state of the
heart and mind of those who participated therein.—Manuscript 8, 1897. {Ev 275.4}

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 The Purpose of the Ordinance of Service
Reconciliation one with another is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was instituted.
By the example of our Lord and Master, this humiliating ceremony has been made a sacred
ordinance. Whenever it is celebrated, Christ is present by His Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings
conviction to hearts. {Ev 275.1}
As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction came to the hearts of all save Judas.
So we shall be convicted as Christ speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up.
The mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will break down every barrier that
has caused disunion and alienation. Sins that have been committed will appear with more
distinctness than ever before; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance. The words of
Christ, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,” will be clothed with new power.—The
Review and Herald, November 4, 1902. {Ev 275.2}

The ordinance of feet washing is an ordinance of service. This is the lesson the Lord would have all
learn and practice. When this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into
holy relationship with each other, to help and bless each other. {Ms43-1897.1}
That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which
strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set us an example of humility. He would not leave this great
subject in man’s charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it that He Himself, One equal with
God, washed the feet of His disciples. {Ms43-1897.2}
“Ye call me Master and Lord,” He said, “and ye say well; for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master,
have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example that ye
should do as I have done unto you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his
lord, neither is he that is sent greater than him that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if
ye do them.” [John 13:13-17.] {Ms43-1897.3}
This ceremony means much to us. God would have us take in the whole scene, not only the single act
of outward cleansing. This lesson does not merely refer to the one act. It is to reveal the great truth
that Christ is an example of what we through His grace are to be in our intercourse with each other. It
shows that the entire life should be one of humble, faithful ministry. {Ms43-1897.4}
The ordinance of feet washing most forcibly illustrates the necessity of true humility. While the
disciples were contending for the highest place in the promised kingdom, Christ girded Himself, and
performed the office of a servant by washing the feet of those who called Him Lord. He, the pure,
spotless Lamb of God, was presenting Himself as a sin-offering; and as He now ate the Passover with
His disciples, He put an end to the sacrifices which for four thousand years had been offered. In the
place of the national festival which the Jewish people had observed, He instituted a memorial
service, in the ceremony of feet washing, and the sacramental supper, to be observed by His
followers through all time and in every country. These should ever repeat Christ’s act, that all may
see that true service called for unselfish ministry. {Ms43-1897.24}

Humility is an active principle growing out of a thorough consciousness of God’s great love, and will
always show itself by the way in which it works. By taking part in the ordinance of feet washing, we
show that we are willing to perform this act of humility. We are doing the very thing Christ did, but
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this is not to be talked of as an act of humiliation. It is an act which symbolizes the condition of the
mind and heart. {Lt210-1899.5}
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] As brethren we are identified with Christ and with one another.
As brethren we are identical with christ, and through His grace identical with one another. And as
we wash the feet of Christ’s followers, it is as though we were indeed touching the Son of God. We
do this act because Christ told us to do it, and Christ Himself is among us. His Holy Spirit does the
work of uniting our hearts. To become one with Christ requires self-denial and self-sacrifice at every
step. {Lt210-1899.6}
The performance of the ordinance of humility calls for self-examination. The noble principles of the
soul are strengthened on every such occasion. Christ lives in us, and this draws heart to heart. We
are led to love as brethren, to be kind, tender, courteous in daily service, having hearts that can feel
another’s woe. {Lt210-1899.7}
It is having the living breath of the Holy Spirit that makes the humble man’s human life noble, pure,
and after the likeness of Christ’s life. Much knowledge does not elevate a man in the sight of God.
To be daily crucified with Christ, daily a partaker of His sufferings, is what wins souls to the truth. He
who manifests childlike simplicity and Christlike humility is great in God’s sight. He who is most
nearly a child in faith and trust and devotion is highest in God’s kingdom. {Lt210-1899.8}

Jesus established footwashing as a religious ceremony—When they assembled to partake of the

Lord’s Supper, the ordinance of feet-washing was to be established as a religious ceremony.—The
Review and Herald, June 21, 1898. {PaM 170.2} Pastoral Ministry
Footwashing teaches the humility of Christ and makes participants’ hearts tender toward one
another—These ordinances are regarded too much as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call to mind
the Lord Jesus. Christ ordained them, and delegated His power to His ministers, who have the treasure
in earthen vessels. They are to superintend these special appointments of the One who established
them to continue to the close of time. It is on these, His own appointments, that He meets with and
energizes His people by His personal presence. Notwithstanding that there may be hearts and hands
that are unsanctified who will administer the ordinance, still Jesus is in the midst of His people to work
on human hearts. All who keep before them, in the act of feet-washing, the humiliation of Christ, all
who will keep their hearts humble, and keep in view the true tabernacle and service, which the Lord
pitched and not man, will never fail to derive benefit from every discourse given, and spiritual
strength from every communion. These ordinances are established for a purpose. Christ’s followers
are to bear in mind the example of Christ in His humility. This ordinance is to encourage humility,
but it should never be termed humiliating, in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to make
tender our hearts toward one another.—The Review and Herald, May 31, 1898. {PaM 170.3}
Footwashing is meant to clear away the assumption that one person is higher than another—The
object of this service is to call to mind the humility of our Lord, and the lessons He has given in
washing the feet of His disciples. There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his
brother, to work for himself, to serve himself, to seek the highest place; and often evil-surmisings and
bitterness of spirit spring up over mere trifles. This ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear
away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-
exaltation, to the humility of spirit that will lead him to wash his brother’s feet. It is not in God’s plan
that this should be deferred because some are considered unworthy to engage in it. The Lord washed
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the feet of Judas. He did not refuse him a place at the table, although He knew that he would leave
that table to act his part in the betrayal of his Lord. It is not possible for human beings to tell who is
worthy, and who is not. They can not read the secrets of the soul. It is not for them to say, I will not
attend the ordinance if such a one is present to act a part. Nor has God left it to man to say who shall
present themselves on these occasions.—The Review and Herald, May 31, 1898. {PaM 170.4}
Footwashing should be introduced carefully to previously uninformed people—Duties are laid down
in God’s Word, the performance of which will keep the people of God humble and separate from the
world, and from backsliding, like the nominal churches. The washing of feet and partaking of the
Lord’s supper should be more frequently practiced. Jesus set us the example, and told us to do as He
had done. I saw that His example should be as exactly followed as possible; yet brethren and sisters
have not always moved as judiciously as they should in washing feet, and confusion has been caused.
It should be introduced into new places with carefulness and wisdom, especially where the people are
not informed relative to the example and teachings of our Lord on this point, and where they have
prejudice against it. Many honest souls, through the influence of former teachers in whom they had
confidence, are much prejudiced against this plain duty, and the subject should be introduced to them
in a proper time and manner.—Early Writings, 116. {PaM 171.1}

The Lord’s Supper; Communion; The Sacramental Service

The Lord’s Supper was the point of transition between two great festivals—The symbols of the Lord’s
house are simple and plainly understood, and the truths represented by them are of the deepest
significance to us. In instituting the sacramental service to take the place of the Passover, Christ left
for His church a memorial of His great sacrifice for man. “This do,” He said, “in remembrance of Me.”
This was the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. The one was to
close forever; the other, which He had just established, was to take its place, and to continue through
all time as the memorial of His death.—The Review and Herald, May 31, 1898. {PaM 169.1} Pastoral
Ministry
Members should not exclude themselves from Communion because some present are unworthy—
None should exclude themselves from the communion because some who are unworthy may be
present. Every disciple is called upon to participate publicly, and thus bear witness that he accepts
Christ as a personal Saviour. It is at these, His own appointments, that Christ meets His people, and
energizes them by His presence. Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the
ordinance, yet Christ is there to minister to His children. All who come with their faith fixed upon Him
will be greatly blessed. All who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss. Of them it
may appropriately be said, “Ye are not all clean.”—The Desire of Ages, 656. {PaM 169.2}
Only open sin excludes persons from the Lord’s Supper—Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the
Lord’s supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches. But
beyond this none are to pass judgment. God has not left it with men to say who shall present
themselves on these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the tares from the
wheat? “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” For
“whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body
and blood of the Lord.” “He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to
himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”—The Desire of Ages, 656. {PaM 169.3}

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The Lord’s Supper is not to be observed only occasionally or yearly—The salvation of men depends
upon a continual application to their hearts of the cleansing blood of Christ. Therefore, the Lord’s
Supper was not to be observed only occasionally or yearly, but more frequently than the annual
passover. This solemn ordinance commemorates a far greater event than the deliverance of the
children of Israel from Egypt. That deliverance was typical of the great atonement which Christ made
by the sacrifice of His own life for the final deliverance of His people.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary
6:1090. {PaM 170.1}

Bread and Wine

Only unfermented wine should be used at the Communion table—Christ did not contradict His own
teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and
refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His disciples in the first Communion.
It is the wine that should always be used on the Communion table as a symbol of the Saviour’s blood.
The sacramental service is designed to be soul-refreshing and life-giving. There is to be connected
with it nothing that could minister to evil.—The Ministry of Healing, 333. {PaM 171.2}
Communion bread must be unleavened—The broken bread and pure juice of the grape are to
represent the broken body and spilled blood of the Son of God. Bread that is leavened must not come
on the communion table; unleavened bread is the only correct representation of the Lord’s Supper.
Nothing fermented is to be used. Only the pure fruit of the vine and the unleavened bread are to be
used.—The Review and Herald, June 7, 1898. {PaM 171.3}

The Desire of Ages

In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has
its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things,
He is constantly ministering for others. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and
sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. This ideal of ministry God has committed
to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach
what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all.
Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it. {DA 649.4}
Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John
made their request for pre-eminence, He had said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be
your minister.” Matthew 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no
place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to
the service of others. {DA 650.1}
Now, having washed the disciples’ feet, He said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as
I have done to you.” In these words Christ was not merely enjoining the practice of hospitality. More
was meant than the washing of the feet of guests to remove the dust of travel. Christ was here
instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a
consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His
lessons of humility and service. {DA 650.2}
This ordinance is Christ’s appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance,
and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ. We are
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not prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus
appointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed. {DA 650.3}
As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the
Lord of life and glory: “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say
well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one
another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 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. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” There is in man a disposition to
esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often
this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is
to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of
self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. {DA 650.4}
The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of
conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is
there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy
Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour’s
humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up,
memories of God’s great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings
forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have
crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties,
ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light
in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure
and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil
thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of
Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity. {DA 650.5}
As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual
life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the
Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ’s righteousness will fill the
chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
of the world.” John 1:29. {DA 651.1}
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant
lesson will be, “By love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. In washing the feet of His disciples, Christ
gave evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would make them heirs with
Him of the eternal wealth of heaven’s treasure. His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge
themselves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated,
the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant
that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of
labor is as wide as their Master’s was. The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor,
the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper
chamber will go forth to minister as He did. {DA 651.2}
Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again
be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with
Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry. {DA 651.3}

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All this was comprehended in the words of Jesus, “I have given you an example, that ye should do
as I have done to you.” This was the intent of the service He established. And He says, “If ye know
these things,” if you know the purpose of His lessons, “happy are ye if ye do them.” {DA 651.4}
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Bible Verses: Foot Washing

Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under
the tree:
Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and
tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said,
Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Genesis 24:32 And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and
provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that [were] with him.
Genesis 43:24 And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave [them] water, and they
washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.
Judges 19:21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed
their feet, and did eat and drink.
1 Samuel 25:41 And she arose, and bowed herself on [her] face to the earth, and said, Behold, [let]
thine handmaid [be] a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
2 Samuel 11:8 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed
out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from the king.
Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of
man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into
thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and
wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.
Luke 22:26 But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger;
and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he
that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come
from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel,
and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet,
and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.
John 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one
another's feet.
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged
strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently
followed every good work.

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 Bible Verses: The Lord’s Supper
Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave
[it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks,
and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which
is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this
fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son
of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my
blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and
my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I
in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he
shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat
manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we [being]
many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord
Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he
brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of
me. 25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the
new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. 26 For as often
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore
whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread,
and drink of [that] cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many [are] weak and sickly
among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But
when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the
world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if
any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest
will I set in order when I come.

The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two monumental pillars, one without and one
within the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God. {2TT 389.1}
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive
condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the
threshold of God’s spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, “The Lord our
Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6. {2TT 389.2}
Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name
whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.