Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper

Jesus washes the Disciples feet:

“So He got up from the table, took off His robe,

wrapped a towel around His waist

and poured water into a basin.

Then He began to wash the Disciples feet,

Drying them with the towel He had around Him.”

John 13:4-5

This lowly act of servitude by Jesus on the night of The Last Supper seemed odd to His Disciples.

So odd, that not only were they perplexed and confused, some of them—especially Simon Peter—complained loudly. “You will never wash my feet” he protested.

Jesus replied in answer, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

What did Jesus mean? Why was He doing this?

Jesus is not merely washing feet. Jesus, in the consummate act of service and love—dying for us on the cross—is washing away all our sins, the sins of the whole world. Without the redemption offered, and accepted, we would not belong to Christ. Without it we will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God as He has planned for us.

Can you think of times you have served others?

Serving a meal for the less fortunate. Delivering groceries to a homebound neighbor. Giving a ride to someone in need of one.

I can remember when my father had become old and frail, nearing the time he would be called home. He needed me to wash more than his feet. Have you ever had to do this, or more?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40 that these acts of service, when performed for others, are just like performing them for Him

“I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, you were doing it to me!”

So go about your days living the example Jesus gave to His disciples. Humble yourself in service; by doing so you will truly belong to Christ Jesus.

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, give me the heart of a humble servant. Help me to live each day in service to you and my neighbors. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to wash away all of my sins so that I can truly belong to Him. In His name I pray. Amen