Preventive Protection for Sheep

Sheep are completely immersed, including their ears and heads, in a large vat or trough filled with a medicated liquid of antiseptic and antiparasitic solutions. This sheep dipping is a traditional process done by shepherds to kill harmful parasites like ticks, lice, blowflies, and scab mites in England. This also protects the sheep from contagious diseases and infections. The wool quality also increases due to cleanliness.

Washing feet When the Lord Jesus Christ washed the feet of His disciples, Peter could not accept that the Lord could wash his dirty feet. But the Lord clearly instructed him that he could not have any part with him if he did not allow his feet to be washed. (John 13:6-11)

Bath In ancient Israel, when a person was invited as a guest, they would take a bath and walk to the home or place of celebration. When he reached the venue, his feet would be dirty from walking the muddy roads. Hence, the feet had to be washed at the entrance by a slave before entering the celebration. The Lord taught Peter that having a bath implies receiving salvation as a gracious gift from God. Yet, if believers are on the earth, they will need cleansing that could be equated with foot washing.

Washing by Word The Good Shepherd also immerses the sheep to protect them in His Word. Paul writes that His Word cleanses disciples daily when they read, meditate, and renew their minds. (Ephesians 5:26) The Word also lights the path like a lamp does in the spiritually dark and wicked world. (Psalm 119:105) The Holy Spirit reminds His Word to empower believers.

Pursuit of holiness As believers must live in a sin-polluted, imperfect world, the accumulation of dust on the feet is inevitable. Hence, daily cleansing is needed so that believers continue to grow in holiness, which leads to Christlikeness. Peter exhorts believers to be Holy, separated, and consecrated in all aspects of life, as God is Holy. (I Peter 1:15-16)