John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (Guide B)

Introduction

Only John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus washed his disciple’s feet during his last meal with them. The other texts for this day remember the Passover and the context it sets for Jesus’s words and actions.

Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday, which commemorates this event, is one of the most unique worship services of the year. Many congregations will have a communion service, some will host a foot washing service after John 13, others may hold a Tenebrae service of readings and increasing darkness. Other symbolic actions of worship include stripping the altar of its paraments in anticipation of bringing them back on Easter Sunday.

In that context, any preached word should probably be brief to allow the Scriptures, singing, and symbolic…