Thursday, 4/17

At the time of Jesus, washing of the feet was done by the lowest servant in order to remove the dust from the trip and as a symbol of being welcomed into the house. Maundy Thursday is a remembrance of the events that occurred the night before the death of Jesus, including the foot washing at that Passover meal.

During the Passover meal that evening, we are told that “He got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples’ feet” (John 13:4-5).

For Jesus to wash the feet of his disciples is both an instruction for them that they need to be humble and to be willing to serve with humility, but it is also a way to physically show them that they are welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. “ 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:6-8)

The other part of this message that I find very meaningful is the fact that Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples, including the feet of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. This is a way of showing us that we need to be humble, to be servant leaders and to follow his example of selfless love. 

Let this Maudy Thursday be a reminder to us all that we are to care for others, not to judge the people that we are asked to serve, and to never think that we are better than them, irrelevant of the situation we are in, compared to them. 

Peace and Grace be with you in these final days of Lent.

Mike Wilson