John 13
We are counseled in modern scripture -
"...now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto all..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 61:18)
I believe that to be true concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ and His commandments. But I don't believe it is true concerning priesthood authority and keys and rights of administration. To His apostles, the Savior explained to the resistant Peter and the washing of his feet -
"...If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." (New Testament | John 13:8)
Adding -
"...He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean..." (New Testament | John 13:10)
After the Savior had washed the feet of His apostles -
"...he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (New Testament | John 13:12 - 15)
I believe that this action was a special ordinance requiring special authority. Thus, in my mind, it is limited to those He specifically instructed to perform and not necessarily to all.
There is something else I believe of great significance the Savior taught saying -
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (New Testament | John 13:16 - 17)
In this case, I believe the Savior is teaching with the word "Lord" would be a file leader as President Packer has mentioned. Everyone in the Church has a file leader no matter what the calling. As His servants we are happy as we follow the counsel of our file leaders.
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