Foot Washing and

Lord’s Supper
 If baptism is seen as a “marriage” for a
Christian; then the Lord’s Supper is an
“anniversary.”

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CHRIST INSTITUTED TWO
ORDINANCES
1. Foot washing (John 13)
2. Lord’s Supper (Mat 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-
25; Luke 22:14-19; I Cor. 11:23-25)
Foot washing and the Lord’s Supper make up
the “communion service.” These ordinances
assist Christians to enter into communion
with Him.
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 1. FOOT WASHING: JOHN 13
Baptism is the beginning of a new life for the believers but
believers often fall and get their feet dirty, so they need to get
them washed again.
In the biblical world, foot washing was a cultural way of
expressing “honour” and “hospitality” to guests, Gen. 18:4; 19:2;
24:32; 43:24; Judges. 19:21 and 1 Sam. 25:41.
In the NT, foot washing served the similar purpose, Luke. 7:44; 1
Tim. 5:10.
Based on the cultural way of expressing honour and hospitality,
Jesus brings the idea of “service,” “humility” and “forgiveness.”

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 MEANING OF FOOT WASHING
1. Humility and Service
“Jesus knew that the father had put all things under his power and
that he had come from God and was returning to God, so he got up
from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel
around his waist. After that , he poured water into a basin and
began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that
was wrapped around him,” John 13: 3-5.
Jesus lowered himself to a level of a servant.
Jesus who was equal with God took the very nature of a servant,
Phil. 2:6-7.

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 MEANING OF FOOT WASHING
2. A symbol of higher cleansing, Christ provides
“A person who has a bath needs only to wash his feet, his whole body is
clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you,” John 13:10.
3. An opportunity to renew broken fellowship (as Christ
with Judas)
“Now that I, your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also
should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you
should do as I have done for you,” John 13:13-15.
This act highlights the attitude of service, humility and forgiveness,
Matt 6:14-15.
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 A Passover meal: a reminder of
LORD’S SUPPER- MAT 26:26-29; God’s deliverance of Israel from

MARK 14:22-25; LUKE 22:14-19; slavery in Egypt, Ex.12:3-8.

This became a national day for
C.F., I COR. 11:23-25) Israel.
 2. LORD’S SUPPER: MAT 26:26-29; MARK 14:22-25;
LUKE 22:14-19; C.F., I COR. 11:23-25)

A Passover meal: a reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel

from slavery in Egypt, Ex.12:3-8.
This became a national day for Israel.

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MEANING OF LORD’S SUPPER
1. A celebration of deliverance from sin.
Passover meal commemorated Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt; so
the Lord’s Supper commemorates deliverance from the slavery of sin.
Lord’s Supper helps Christians to focus their attention on the cross, renew
their commitment to the Lord.
2. Communion with Jesus, John 6: 53- 54
Jesus’ presence (not in the elements) but in the worship of his people
3. An eschatological foretaste, Mark 14:24- 25.
John refers to it as the marriage supper of the Lamb in Rev 19: 7.

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 WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
Baptism is the gateway into the church, Lord’s supper benefits
those who are members. Jesus administered communion service
only to his professed followers. Thus, communion service is for
believing Christians.
The Bible instructs believers to celebrate this ordinance with due
reverence for the Lord, I Cor.11:27-28.

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HOW OFTEN?
“Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes,” 1 Cor
11:26.

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 REFERENCE
Seventh-day Adventists Believe… A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines.
Washington: DC, Ministerial Association of the General Conference of the Seventh-
day Adventists, 2005, 225-236.
Kiesler Herbert, Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, volume 12
Commentary Reference Series, s. v. “The Ordinance: Foot Washing and Lord’s
Supper.” Hagerstown: Review and Herald, 2000, 592-609.

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