2. Why is the ordinance of foot washing an essential part of the Lord’s Supper service?

As the disciples assembled in the upper room to participate in the celebration of Passover, no one initiated the customary pre-dinner foot washing. Instead, they were arguing about who was the greatest among them (Luke 22:24). JTL26 4.1

To demonstrate to His disciples that it is loving service that constitutes real greatness, Jesus Himself took on the servant’s role by pouring water into a basin and washing His friends’ dirty feet. Startled and humiliated, the disciples saw their attitudes in a new light. Through the act of foot washing, Jesus showed that He would do any service, no matter how lowly, to save people. In making this preparation ceremony an ordinance, Jesus intended to lead believers into a state of tenderness and love that would move them to serve others. JTL26 4.2

But the foot washing was not just to clean literal dirt from feet! It represented a cleansing of our hearts. Like the disciples, when we accept Christ and are baptized, we are cleansed by His blood. But over time, selfishness, pride, jealousy, and evil can flourish within us, and we must come to Christ again and let His cleansing grace wash us clean. Thus, the foot washing is a “mini-baptism,” a reminder of our total dependence upon the blood of Christ. Those who desire continuing fellowship with Christ and renewal through His grace will participate in the ordinance of foot washing. JTL26 4.3