On 6 April 2023, the second of the three services that takes place on Maundy Thursday was the traditional “Washing of the Feet” ceremony.
This service takes place to commemorate the humility and service of our Lord Jesus Christ in washing the feet of His disciples.
As per the Gospel of John, on the evening He was betrayed, Jesus “poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him” (John 13:5).
“When He had finished washing their feet, He put on his clothes and returned to His place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them…. ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’” (verses 12, 14).
In the days of dusty roads and open-toed sandals, feet often became dirty, and it was the job of the lowest servants to wash the guests’ feet. But Jesus set an example of service by doing this job himself, despite the protests from Peter.
When Jesus said, wash one another’s feet, He meant, serve one another. Jesus is saying that we should humble ourselves and be willing to do even menial tasks for one another.
When we serve one another throughout the year, helping one another with real needs, we are obeying the spirit of the law of Christ.