He Washed Their Feet: Maundy Thursday and the New Commandment

Warmly welcome everyone and briefly set the scene: this is a Maundy Thursday gathering, remembering the night before Jesus went to the cross. 'Maundy' comes from the Latin mandatum, 'commandment' — pointing to the new commandment Jesus gave that night. Open with prayer, asking God to help the group see Jesus' humble love afresh and to receive His call to serve one another. Keep this brief and unhurried in tone, setting a reflective mood.

Read John 13:1-17 aloud slowly, then 13:34-35. Consider having two or three readers share the verses. Invite the group to simply notice the scene without commentary yet: Jesus rising from supper, laying aside His garments, kneeling before each disciple — including Judas. Ask them to picture themselves in the circle. Let a few seconds of silence settle before moving on.

Teach from the passage, aiming for three movements. (1) WHO is doing this. John 13:3 tells us Jesus knew 'the Father had delivered all things into His hands.' From the place of total authority and security in God, Jesus stoops to the lowest household task — a job reserved for the lowest servant. Reformed theology reminds us this is the sovereign God Himself, in Christ, pouring out grace we could never earn; He serves us before we could ever serve Him. (2) WHOM He serves. He washes the feet of men who will scatter, deny, and betray Him. His love is not a response to their worthiness but flows from His own covenant faithfulness — 'Having loved His own... He loved them to the very end' (13:1). This is grace alone. (3) WHAT He commands. 'I have set you an example' (13:15) and then the new commandment: love one another as He has loved us (13:34). The newness is the measure — 'as I have loved you.' Our love for one another becomes the visible sign to the world (13:35). Close the teaching by connecting foot-washing to the cross: the towel anticipates the nails. His service to us is ultimately His death for us, and our service to each other flows out of gratitude for that grace, never to earn it.

Move into discussion using the provided questions. In a medium-sized group, consider breaking into clusters of three or four so everyone can speak, then gather one or two responses from each cluster. Keep drawing the group back to the text and to Jesus' example rather than general opinions about service.

Explain the practice gently and give a clear opt-out before starting: participation is completely voluntary, and no one should feel pressured. Offer TWO ways to take part. OPTION A (foot-washing): set up a basin, warm water, and towels; those willing may pair up with someone they choose (a spouse, a friend, or someone of the same sex), with one person washing the other's feet and then switching. It's fine to wash and not be washed, or the reverse. Use fresh water and a clean towel for each person, and skip feet with open cuts or sores. OPTION B (hand-washing): for anyone who prefers it — or for the whole group if that is more comfortable — pour water over a partner's hands and dry them with a towel. Make clear that choosing hand-washing or simply observing is equally welcome. As people serve one another, invite them to quietly say to their partner, 'As Christ has served me, I serve you,' or to offer a short prayer of blessing. Allow a few minutes afterward for everyone to re-gather and share, if they wish, a word about what it felt like to serve or to be served. Note for the leader: being touched or served can stir deep emotion for some; keep the atmosphere safe, unhurried, and pressure-free.

Draw the threads together: Jesus loved us to the end and calls us to love one another as a sign to the world. Invite the group to name, silently or aloud, one specific person they will serve this week. Close in prayer, thanking God for the servant-King and asking for grace to live out the new commandment. You may end by reading John 13:34-35 once more as a benediction.