‘Feet’ in the Bible

The Bible contains much symbolism and the word ‘feet’ has a meaning other than just an anatomical appendage.

Power

The Bible promises that in time God’s power will overcome all opposition.

“The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Psalm 110:1

This verse is quoted in the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 1:13), to confirm that God’s power is in Jesus Christ and he will win the victory over all his enemies.

In the ancient world putting your feet on the necks of defeated enemies was a sign of their complete capitulation. Thus when Joshua had captured five Amorite kings of Canaan, he encouraged his army commanders with these words:

“Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:24-25

After the Jews had returned from captivity in Babylon to their own land they were having a rough time but the prophet Malachi urges them to remain true to their Lord with the promise that if they do, they will overcome:

“Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 4:3

In the New Testament ‘feet’ are again used to show that Jesus Christ will ultimately have the victory.

“For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” 1 Corinthians 15:25

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” Ephesians 1:22

So it is not just a victory for God but it will also be a victory for his people in his church.

This recognition of the power and authority of Jesus was represented in the book of Revelation by the way John falls at the feet of the risen Lord Jesus. He recognised that he was insignificant compared to Almighty God.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17

In a similar way, a repentant prostitute was so grateful to the forgiveness she had received that she anointed Jesus feet.

“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feetwith her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” Luke 7:37-38

The idea that God’s enemies will eventually be trampled underfoot is related to the proclamation of the message of God’s eternal rule and eternal victory. It is therefore the purpose of God’s people to live and speak in order to give the Lord Jesus the honour he warrants. This is surely why the symbol of ‘feet’ is also used for going about this purpose.

Mission

John 13 begins with the story about Jesus washing his disciples feet. It was a tradition in those times to give visitors to your house some water to wash their feet when they first arrived from the dusty roads outside. In more affluent homes a slave would be delegated to wash the feet. This was considered a menial task and consequently Jewish slaves were not permitted to do this. Why is this emphasised? When I was younger I was taught that this is to emphasise the primary importance of humility that Christian leaders need. It is clear that Christian ministers must be servants. This is what the word ‘minister’ means. But is it just teaching the importance of humility?

In John 12, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with approximately a pint of pure nard, a heavily perfumed ointment. In the records of Matthew (26:6-13) and Mark (14:3-9) it is stated that she poured the ointment on his head though a subsequent verse (Matthew 26:12) says it was poured on his body. There is no disharmony here as it would be impossible to pour a pint of ointment onto someone’s head without it dripping over the whole body. The head is surely stressed to indicate that Jesus is head or Lord of all. This continued the significance of anointing kings in the Old Testament. Saul, the first King of Israel was anointed

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?’” 1 Samuel 10:1

David, the most famous King of Israel was similarly anointed long before he became King:

“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” 1 Samuel 16:13

Similarly subsequent kings such as Solomon, Jehu, Joash and Jehahaz were anointed as kings.

The question is, “Why does John emphasise that it was Jesus’ feet that were anointed?” The answer is clear when we understand what John was emphasising when telling this story.

Chapters 1-11 of John’s gospel describe three years of Jesus teaching and healing mission. Chapters 12 to 21 describe the last week of his life, his trial, crucifixion and resurrection. In chapters 13-17 Jesus gives his final teaching to prepare his disciples for their life’s work of mission.

In the story of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet, two other points need noting. Firstly this ceremony does not occur when they first arrived with dirty feet.

“The evening meal was being served . . . so he got up from the meal.” John 13:2,4

Secondly Jesus teaches that there is a hidden meaning in this that they do not understand at that time.

“You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

What is or are these hidden meanings? It is clear that Jesus acted in this way because he understood his own authority.

“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 . . . “ John 13:3-4

Then it says that Jesus “took off his outer clothing” (John 13:4). After washing the disciples feet John specifically says,

“. . . he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand . . ?” John 13:12

This must be a picture of the work of Jesus, leaving heaven, taking off his glory to serve us, prior to returning to be with his Father in heaven. Paul takes up with same picture when he describes Jesus,

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness . . .” Philippians 2:6-7

The disciples clearly did understand the anachronism of Jesus, their leader, washing their feet. Could it also be that John has a hidden emphasis on the word ‘feet’? Clearly Jesus is not concerned about head or hands, it is just the feet that need attention. If you look again at the story the word feet keeps being repeated – 8 times in all.

In verse 12 Jesus asks,

“Do you understand . . . ?”

The next phrase is interesting.

“You call me “Teacher” and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. . . . you also should wash one another’s feet” John 13:13,14

Jesus is stressing that the disciple’s must serve one another and verse 16 clears up what the context of this service is to be.

“I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

It seems to be all coming together – ‘feet’ are the key. In the Old Testament, the prophet Nahum certainly understands ‘feet’ in this way.

“Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace.” Nahum 1:15

Isaiah used this same analogy:

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, quotes this passage from Isaiah:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:15

Feet are the symbol for going out to tell and live for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This work is tough and Christians need all the encouragement and support that they can be given.

The prophet Habakkuk had a mission to warn people that it was because of God’s displeasure at the way they were living that the terrifying Babylonian invasion was coming. He recognised that it is God alone who has the power to save his people. He taught that they must wait patiently for God’s salvation (Habakkuk 3:16-18). Habakkuk himself understood that he had to get this message out whatever the cost:

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19

This also explains the strange injunction a widow should only be enrolled for support if she was:

“. . . well known for her deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” 1 Timothy 5:10

If washing feet was to largely demonstrate humility, why just the saints’ feet? Surely this contains the same symbolism. The widows role is to encourage the saints to go out to live for Christ.

At the end of Ephesians Paul reminds Christians that they too must have,

“. . . your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

Has our understanding of the purpose of God become inadequate? We tend to think in terms of orthodoxy of our faith but overlook both ‘Christ-likeness of our lives’ and ‘Christ-likeness in our purpose’. We want to see full churches that are doctrinally correct, we want people to have experiences of God, but emphasise less our becoming like Jesus in thinking and action. We tend not to be so concerned when we lose our tempers or say hurtful things about others. We make social and economic success our priority rather than having Christ’s priority of persuading people about who he is and that God’s kingdom is open to all. Doctrine is so easily dissociated from lifestyle.

Go into the World

A study of the rest of chapter 13 shows that it has the same underlying emphasis on mission – going out for Jesus. In verse 30 Judas ‘went out’ alone in a different direction. In contrast verse 34 says,

“Love one another.”

Why is this so important?

“. . . by this all men will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:35

Here it is again. Jesus’ concern is that the gospel of salvation should get out to all men. That is why close team support is needed, that is why disciples’ feet need to be washed.

BVP