Washing of the Disciples’ feet, John 13

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday  is the Christian Holy Day falling on the Thursday before Easter. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum , or commandment, reflecting the Lord Jesus’ words, “A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”, John 13.34. Maundy Thursday commemorates the washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Last Supper.

I shall focus on Jesus washing His disciples feet, recorded in John 13.4-17. Just picture the scene in your mind. First, He rose from supper. Then He laid aside His long, loose ,flowing, outer garment which would have prevented Him from washing their feet. Then He took a towel and tied it round His waist. He was now able to perform this menial task which was usually allocated to slaves. Afterwards, the Lord Jesus put His outer coat on and sat down again.

The Lord Jesus’ enactment illustrates His humility in that that He came from Heaven to earth in lowly guise rather than in outward splendour . He came to serve God and man. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many”, Mark 9.45. He did this on the Cross. He rose from the dead three days later and ascended to Heaven where He is now seated in honour. As Hebrews 1 verse 3 puts it,” When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high”. A parallel passage is to be found in Philippians 2. 5-11.