MAUNDY THURSDAY

 

Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY

John 13:12-17

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 

          The Roman Catholic Church has given the Christian community a new word and many follow their lead without investigation. The word maundy is Latin for “command” and refers to Jesus’ command to serve one another.

 

Washing feet was never to be the specific act of service although it was a good example at that time. Feet were shod with sandals and there were many opportunities to soil the feet. Upon entering the house, a servant would remove shoes and wash the feet of both master and guests. It was considered one of the lowest duties of a servant.

 

Judaism had developed a complex hierarchy of priests and High priests. This competitive attitude had caused the disciples to argue over places of position in Mark chapter 9. Now, Jesus clearly states that up was down. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.” John understood it and quoted Jesus that it would be the distinguishing difference between Christianity and all others. (John 13:35)

 

Lord, let me not shun the lowest form of service. Let the motivation be love. AMEN