Exploring Holy WeekExemplo

At a dinner called the Last Supper, Jesus turned yet another tradition on its head: he washed his disciples’ feet. In that time and culture, washing another person’s feet wasn’t only a dusty task. It was also a sign of how (un)important you were. A servant might wash a guest’s feet, but a teacher would never wash a student’s feet. Except, Jesus did. It was a sign of humility that confused the disciples, like a lion serving berries to a mouse!

After the foot washing, Jesus gave instructions to the disciples: “do just as I have done for you” (v. 15). It was their job, as it is also ours now, to serve others. No one is too important or clever or special to serve others. Not Jesus, not kings or queens, and not us. We might not wash another person’s feet exactly, but caring for others through our actions should be a regular part of our lives.

Explore: Jesus washed his disciples’ feet with a bowl of water. Here are some beautiful bowls and wash basins from around the world. What tools might you need to serve someone else this week? If you’re feeling stuck on how to help, take inspiration from the bowls below and help with the dishes!