APRIL 17, 2025

Today is Maundy Thursday, the last day Jesus spent with His disciples and friends. Somehow, even with the cacophony of egos and betrayal we saw yesterday, Jesus patiently packed this evening full of precious teaching (recorded over several chapters in John) and symbolism. He not only washed the disciples’ feet, but broke the bread and took the cup of wine—proclaiming that henceforth these religious symbols symbolize Him.

Jesus commanded His followers to continue both new traditions: washing each other’s feet, and proclaiming Him in the bread and wine. Let’s listen in.

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘”Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’

No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’

Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’

‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’

Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.'”
John 13:1-17

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What gifts and commands does Jesus leave behind on this final night?
  • How would you feel if someone as honored and revered as Jesus took on such a humble position to serve you?
  • What does it mean for Jesus’ kingdom, that He sets this standard for His closest followers?
  • How are you following Jesus’ example?

Church Reading Plan: Exodus 28; John 7