THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEET WASHING AND COMMUNION AT THE SAME SERVICE
Yahweh’s House of God Oakland California

While others may not see the need for feet washing and communion, we see these as necessary acts of sacred fellowship. It is no coincident Jesus selected the night of the Passover meal to institute the New Testament Passover. (1 Cor. 5:7) Rather, the timing is of great significance. The Passover Service commemorated Godís deliverance of His people out of Egypt, by the blood of the lamb. In the New Testament Passover Service we remember Godís deliverance of his people from sin, by the blood of Jesus. (Jn. 1:29, 36; Rev. 7:17, 15:3) In feet washing we remind ourselves not to be as the Pharaoh of old (Ex. 5:5-10) and exercise our authority over others. (Lk. 22:25-27; 1 Pet. 5:2 &3) Once a year we are reminded through the sacred fellowship of feet washing that we are to follow the example of humility set by Jesus. (Jn. 13:13-15)

Communion

In the communion service we join in sacred fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the body and blood of Jesus that gives life to each of us. (Acts 17:28) In partaking of his body (unleavened bread) and drinking his blood (water) one does so as an act of fellowship with Christ (Jn. 6:50-58) and an affirmation of our faith in his return the second time (1Cor. 11:26). We believe that the communion is the Passover Supper of the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. Once a year, at the feast of unleavened bread which is called the Passover (Lk. 22:1), we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The communion service must be partaken of with a sacredness that is worthy of the sacrifice made by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ìWherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.î (1 Cor. 11:27 & 28)

Every person should examine him or herself to insure that they are not an irreverent partaker of the body and blood.

Children should participate under strict supervision of their parent or guardian.

The unbeliever should not partake of the communion (Passover). (Ex. 12:43-48; 1Cor. 5:7)

The communion service is not a social event and should not be observed as such. (1Cor. 11:20-22)

Feet Washing

In feet washing service we join in sacred fellowship with our brothers and sisters. It is a time of great joy and fellowship when practiced in the proper spirit. At this service there are no lords only servants.

ìHe riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciplesí feet and wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost though wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet, Jesus answered, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit, and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 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?

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 anotherís feet. For I have given you and 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.î (Jn. 13:4-17)

All are welcome to join in the feet washing service saint and sinners alike. (Lk. 7:37-50)

The practice of feet washing is a significant symbol of our service and love for each other. (1 Tim. 5:10)

The administration of feet washing and communion at the same service typifies the great acts of cleansing and humility demonstrated by Jesus. Therefore, we take communion, wash feet, and teach others to do so.

 

PRINT