John 13:15

An example. Jesus was doing more than giving an example of service. He was instituting an ordinance to be observed by His followers to the end of time, an ordinance designed to bring vividly to mind the lessons of the original service. The ordinance has a threefold significance: (1) It symbolizes cleansing from sin. Baptism symbolizes the soul’s original cleansing from sin. The cleansing from the defilements that have subsequently accrued are symbolized by the ordinance of foot washing. As in the case of baptism, the ordinance has no significance whatever unless the participant by repentance and thorough conversion has expelled sin from the life. There is no merit in the act of foot washing itself. Only when there has been the appropriate preliminary preparation does the service assume meaning. (2) It symbolizes a renewed consecration to service. The one who participates and stoops to wash the feet of his brethren thereby indicates that he is willing to engage in the service of the Master no matter how humble that service may be. (3) It typifies the spirit of Christian fellowship. The ordinance is thus a suitable preparatory service to participation in the Lord’s Supper. For a further discussion of the subject see DA 642-651.