We’re having great devotionals this Holy Week! Today is Maundy Thursday (which comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning command). It’s a very important day so we embrace it and celebrate it to the fullest. A lot clustered on this day before his arrest; the Passover meal, the institution of communion, the betrayal of Judas, and Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsamane.
Before sharing what we did, here’s what we studied, meditated on, discussed, and prayed over (in a condensed version ♥):
In the upper room that Thursday evening, Jesus and his disciples were ready to eat their evening Passover meal. Knowing Jesus was in some sort of danger and that he’d be leaving them soon, a somber feeling illuminated the room, I’m sure. Then comes Jesus, he pulled out a basin of water, removed His outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing the feet of each disciple. Traditionally houseguests would enter with unclean feet which would then be cleaned by the household slave. Amazing if you ask me! Here’s the Creator of the Universe, the King of kings, the Son of God gently, lovingly washing the soiled feet of the disciples. What an example of serving others, even those that don’t care for us, like Judas to Jesus. Jesus knew fully about Judas’ upcoming betrayal yet he still washed his feet, neither out of an “I’ll show him” attitude nor a “Kill him with kindness attitude” but instead, out of an agape love involving giving and sacrifice. Would I be able to do that? Would you?
It was that night when Jesus spoke this command that we’ve memorized, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (The Kempiak Party of Five noticed the command of love…it’s not a suggestion or option to love…it’s a command, even if love is not returned.)
So tonight, we ate our version of a Passover meal then one by one, prayed for those that are harder to love; those who have hurt us, those we have hurt. Afterwards, we washed each others’ feet, being humble enough to serve others. It was a very touching night and a great new found tradition!
Before sharing what we did, here’s what we studied, meditated on, discussed, and prayed over (in a condensed version ♥):
In the upper room that Thursday evening, Jesus and his disciples were ready to eat their evening Passover meal. Knowing Jesus was in some sort of danger and that he’d be leaving them soon, a somber feeling illuminated the room, I’m sure. Then comes Jesus, he pulled out a basin of water, removed His outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing the feet of each disciple. Traditionally houseguests would enter with unclean feet which would then be cleaned by the household slave. Amazing if you ask me! Here’s the Creator of the Universe, the King of kings, the Son of God gently, lovingly washing the soiled feet of the disciples. What an example of serving others, even those that don’t care for us, like Judas to Jesus. Jesus knew fully about Judas’ upcoming betrayal yet he still washed his feet, neither out of an “I’ll show him” attitude nor a “Kill him with kindness attitude” but instead, out of an agape love involving giving and sacrifice. Would I be able to do that? Would you?
It was that night when Jesus spoke this command that we’ve memorized, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (The Kempiak Party of Five noticed the command of love…it’s not a suggestion or option to love…it’s a command, even if love is not returned.)
So tonight, we ate our version of a Passover meal then one by one, prayed for those that are harder to love; those who have hurt us, those we have hurt. Afterwards, we washed each others’ feet, being humble enough to serve others. It was a very touching night and a great new found tradition!
1 comment:
Dear Kempiak's,
Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts and traditions. ;) We love the washing feet idea! I need to remember that one for next year...or next week. :)
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