Maundy Thursday John 13:1-17, 31b-35

"Maundy" What?

Maundy Thursday takes its name from the Latin version of John 13:34: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (ESV). Over the centuries, English speakers turned mandatum (commandment) into "maundy." But, whatever we call the Thursday of Holy Week, the emphasis on that command to love remains central. That teaching of radical self-lowering love is exemplified by his radical action of washing his disciples' feet.

Churches commemorate this day in different ways. Some focus on the foot-washing. Others focus on the institution of the Lord's Supper. Some have Tenebrae services. Many churches strip the altar in…

1. Have you ever participated in a foot-washing ceremony? How did it feel to wash or be washed? If it was uncomfortable, where did that discomfort come from?

2. How well have Christians followed the command to love one another? What are some ways where Christians in your country and in your lifetime not followed this command?

3. What are some concrete ways in your community where Christians (you included) might better live out this command? How might life in your community be different? What stands in your way?

4. Put yourself in the upper room. What would it be like to see Jesus kneeling at your feet? To feel the cold water or his hand and a cloth? How do you imagine he would look at you?

5. How does it change the way you…