Maundy Thursday

Readings

John 13:1-17
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Reflection

"So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:14

I admit, I have done very few foot washing. I have seen this traditional foot washing, which has given me the opportunity to experience the most humbling act of service. Still, I can't avoid feeling this is little more than just a symbolical act that often gets forgotten or dismissed as part of the worship routine. After all, it only lasts for a few moments and it quickly gets lost among the still many other urgent things you need to do for the upcoming Easter weekend.

Jesus probably had a different sort of thoughts in mind as He washed the feet of His disciples. This wasn't just routine. As Jesus enjoyed His last supper with His disciples, He was probably thinking of His impending death and the suffering and pain He was about to experience. Maybe Jesus was wondering about what was going to happen to His beloved friends once He was gone. In between a ritual dinner and his preparation for the cross, Jesus took the opportunity to teach yet another lesson about the kingdom of God.

Jesus' washing of the feet summarizes the message of the cross. Just like the foot washing, the cross is an act of humbleness, done out of love, that is ultimately intended to serve others. By washing their feet, Jesus exemplifies to His disciples that the master is only in as much as he is willing to become a servant. If we can understand this, we can begin to understand Jesus' sacrificial act of service in the cross, because "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mt. 20:28).

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Prayer

God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet He showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.