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Then I washed you. Washings were and always will be an integral part of worship unto the Lord. Before performing their ministry it was necessary that the priests wash their hands and feet. Ex. 30:18-21 Failure to do so placed them in jeopardy of death. At the time of the consecration of the high priest his whole body was washed. Ex. 29:4 Also on the very special day, called the day of atonement before they were attired with the holy garments they had to have completely bathed in water. Lev. 16:4 The tabernacle in the wilderness and the temple in Jerusalem both were filled with symbolisms which are to be enacted in New Testament Christianity. The obvious purpose being that the individual is washed, cleansed, which translates into righteousness, holiness and purity of body, soul and spirit. 1 Cor. 6:11.
The most important washing for a Christian is the one which introduces them to the new life which is found in the Lord Jesus. At the time of their repentance and conversion they are washed in the atoning blood of Christ. Rev. 1:5 Here we find that the washing of regeneration, produces a new creature by virtue of the new birth. Titus 3:5 Then there is the beginning of a continuous process, a daily experience of being washed by the Word of the Lord, with the glorious purpose of sanctifying and cleansing a people of the Lord, who will become the bride of Christ. Eph. 5:26 Added to this is water baptism, which is not a religious ritual but a very necessary act of obedience and conformity to the will of the Lord. Acts 2:38 It is indelibly associated with repentance by Peter on the day of Pentecost, and is necessary, as he said; ìfor the remission (freedom, pardon or deliverance. Strongís) of sins.î Acts 2:38 The requirement for such an act on the part of the new believer is strongly voiced again by Peter, who commanded the Gentiles to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:48.
I anointed you. Extremely important step in the acceptance of Israel and for that matter, all who would truly be a son of God. If it were necessary for Jesus to be anointed, how much more those who would follow Him. God anointed Jesus with the true holy anointing oil, the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:38 One of the requirements for Kings (1 Sam. 16:13) and Priests (Ex. 29:29) in Israel to be consecrated to their office was to be anointed. Those who belong to the Lord are given a dual office, as was the Lord Jesus, and anointed as kings and priest unto the Lord. Rev. 1:6 There must be an anointing made in order for one to occupy, before the Lord, the high and holy responsibilities carried by a king and a priest.