The Washing of Feet
“And ye shall not receive any among you into this school save he is clean from the blood of this generation.” — Doctrine and Covenants 881
At the School of the Prophets in January 1833, Joseph Smith introduced the ordinance of foot washing,2 symbolizing humility, brotherhood, and spiritual cleanliness.3 Members were welcomed into the school through this ordinance, reflecting the New Testament precedent set by Jesus at the Last Supper,3 as recorded in John.4
The ritual involved washing hands, faces, and feet in the name of the Lord, with Joseph Smith personally washing the feet of all the elders, including his father.5 The instructions on how to carry out the foot washings were added to the Doctrine and Covenants in section 88.6
