There is a strong emphasis on washing and cleanliness in the life of the Israelites in the Old Testament. This was partly for reasons of hygiene and communal health, but it also had a spiritual significance. The Israelites were not allowed to approach God unless they had washed their clothes and made themselves clean (see Exodus 19:10). The priests washed themselves and their clothes before they could attend to the service of God at the Tabernacle (see Exodus 29:4). There were also many duties and circumstances of daily life, which made the ordinary Israelite ceremonially unclean-a condition that was rectified by washing.

David understands this figuratively when he says:

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." (Psalm 51:2).

God through Isaiah tells Israel: "Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of My sight!" (Isaiah 1:16).

John's baptism was also a 'washing away' of sin (see John 1:26). And the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11).

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus Christ is addressed: "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father." (Revelation 1:5-6, KJV).

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to demonstrate to them that true service to God involved the little things as well as leadership, and the need to be of service to each other (see John 13:5-14).