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Dear
Saints:
Once
a year at this time our congregation participates in something
different from anything other time of the year. The basis for this
unusual practice is found in John 13:1-20. Do you know what it is?
I’ll give you a hint from the Scriptures themselves: “He
laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his
waist.” (v. 4b). Have you figured it our yet? In case you
haven’t, I’ll give you another hint: “Then he poured
water into a basin” (v. 5a). I bet you know what it is now.
You’re right! It’s foot washing; and the one time of the
year when we practice this distinctive mandate of Jesus is on Maundy
Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter observed in
commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus.
The
word “Maundy” is derived from the Middle English word
maunde, which is derived from the Old French word mande, which is
derived from the Latin word mandatum, which means
“commandment”. Traditionally in the church, Maundy Thursday
has been the day designated for a ceremony of washing the feet of the
poor. We wash feet on this day in direct obedience to the commandment
of Jesus in John 13:14-15. He says there, “If I then, your Lord
and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should
do just as I have done to you.”
In
first century Palestine people wore sandals and would normally wash
their own feet. Occasionally, a disciple would wash his master’s
feet as an act of devotion. And some people were wealthy enough to
have servants to wash their feet. But no one—especially his
disciples—would have expected Jesus, the Master, to wash
someone’s feet.
The
General Conference of the Mennonite Church (a body which has
traditionally placed a stronger emphasis on foot washing than many
denominations) makes these observations about the practice: “John
13:1-30 recounts Jesus' washing his disciples' feet. The act is
followed by a commentary (13:31-17:26), which explains what it meant
for Jesus to love his own who were in the world unto the end (13:1),
even those who would betray or deny him. His love reached all the way
to laying down his life for them (15:13). He laid aside the
privileges of power, although ‘the Father had given all things
into his hands’ (13:3). He showed the true power that comes
through servanthood: ‘He humbled himself and became obedient to
the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also
highly exalted him’ (Phi. 2:8-9). Those who follow Jesus are
likewise called to let go of privilege and pride in order to love
others more fully, even those who are hard to love. By this life of
love, they show that they are cleansed and a part of Christ (John
13:8-10). Washing one another's feet is a way of expressing this
commitment to follow Jesus in powerful, humble service.” (www.mennolink.org/doc/cof/art.13.html).
This
Maundy Thursday, I want to extend a personal invitation for each of
you to participate in this humble, yet highly meaningful ceremony, as
we prepare our hearts and minds for the greatest celebration of
all—the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday.
Grace
and peace,
Pastor
Larry |
