Two things should be considered in the performance of this ordinance: ( M.D., 820) 1. It fulfilled the old law given to Moses. 2. It instituted a sacred ordinance which should be performed by legal administrators among his true disciples from that day forward. J.S.T. John 13:8-10

“Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled” (v.10). As a part of the restoration of all things, the ordinance of the washing of feet has been restored in the dispensation of the fullness of times. The Lord revealed his will concerning the washing of feet little by little until the full knowledge of the endowment and all temple ordinances had been given.

Partial endowment in Kirtland. Full endowment in Nauvoo - May 4, We must attend to the ordinance of washing the feet. It was never intended for any but official members. It is calculated to unite our hearts, that we may be strong, so that Satan cannot overthrow us, nor have any power over us here ( HC, vol. 2, ). Washing of the feet were done as early as 1832 and continued until the full endowment was given in 1842.

The washing of feet was done before men could be in the School of the Prophets and when the Twelve Apostles were called in “By the power of the Holy Ghost I pronounce you clean from the blood of this generation” ( HC, vol. 1, , vol. 2, 287).

“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples whom Jesus loved.” (Guess who?) v. 26- “ sop ” Thin piece of bread, often shaped to make a spoon are used to extract broth. The bread then becomes a “sop.” It is a mark of great honor for two friends to dip from the same sop. Even greater to dip and give to another.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions” Support for the three kingdoms? The Book of Mormon is silent on it. The New Testament helps a little (1 Cor. 15 and 2 Cor. 12, John 5:28-29). Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28.

Thank goodness for modern revelation (D&C 76). Some feel He is speaking to the twelve and is not suggesting there are various degrees of glory, but giving the twelve the assurance that there was room for them and as many as would believe. Keep in mind that without the Atonement there would be no kingdoms ( Teachings, 366).

John 14:7 “If ye had known me, ye should have known the Father.” When Jesus ministered in this world, he looked like the Father would have looked, he said what the Father would have said, and he did what the Father would have done ( Mormon Doctrine, 130).

Jesus promised the Saints that they could have, here and now in this life, the following: 1. Personal visitations from the Lord (D&C 93:1). 2. God the Father ( DNTC 1:735).

John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.” (Hebrews 5:4, 5 th Article of Faith) John 16:21 “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow.” I know this to be true!

President David O. McKay said, “I know of no more important chapter in the Bible!” Three parts: 1. v. 1-3 Jesus offered himself as the great sacrifice. 2. v. 4 A reverent report to the Father of His mortal mission. 3. v. 20 Christ interceded for all who would believe on Him.

John 17:3 One’s life…is brevity compared to eternity --- like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day! (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, November 1985, 17). I believe with all of my heart that because God loves us there are some particularized challenges that he will deliver to each of us. He will customize the curriculum for each of us in order to teach us the things we need to know. He will set before us in life what we need; not always what we like. And this will require us to accept with all our hearts the truth that there is divine design in each of our lives and that we have rendezvous to keep, individually and collectively (Neal A. Maxwell, “ But for a Small Moment,” 444).

In fact, is not managing life’s little challenges so often the big challenge? Those who wait for a single, spectacular, final exam are apt to flunk the daily quizzes (Neal A. Maxwell, “ Thanks Be to God,” 10). Let the kaleidoscope of life’s circumstances be shaken, again and again, and the “true believer of Christ” will still see “with the eye of faith” divine design and purpose of life (Neal A. Maxwell, “ True Believers in Christ,” 139). When life is seen as good, a bad day can easily be absorbed (Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, 84).

We should see life….as being comprised of clusters of soul- stretching experiences, even when these are overlain by seeming ordinariness or are plainly wrapped in routine. Thus some who are chronologically very young can be Methuselahs as to their maturity in spiritual things (Neal A. Maxwell, Not My Will But Thine, 118).