Foot washing

FOOT WASHING
During Christ's time, people wore sandals and had to walk many miles each day on dusty road. It was courtesy and respect for a servant to wash the feet of guests when they arrived. Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples the night before he was crucified. This gesture was to show his disciples that he was their servant and he respected them. It was also to show them that in order to be good leaders, they must show respect to their followers and be willing to serve.
Kings and Lords during medieval times followed Jesus' example. They did this by washing the feet of twelve of the poorest men in their kingdom on the Thursday before Easter. In England, it was custom for kings and queens to wash the feet of as many poor people as they were in years old. This custom is still practiced by Queen Elizabeth today.

The Washing of the disciples' feet: JOHN 13:1-11