Note: This message has been provided in case you plan to offer a children’s message during this Maundy Thursday service.

John 13:1-17 NIRV

13It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world. It was time for him to go to the Father. Jesus loved his disciples who were in the world. So, he now loved them to the very end.

2They were having their evening meal. The devil had already tempted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. He had urged Judas to hand Jesus over to his enemies. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put everything under his power. He also knew he had come from God and was returning to God. 4So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6He came to Simon Peter. “Lord,” Peter said to him, “are you going to wash my feet?”

7Jesus replied, “You don’t realize now what I am doing. But later you will understand.”

8“No,” said Peter. “You will never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you can’t share life with me.”

9“Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet! Wash my hands and my head too!”

10Jesus answered, “People who have had a bath need to wash only their feet. The rest of their body is clean. And you are clean. But not all of you are.” 11Jesus knew who was going to hand him over to his enemies. That was why he said not every one was clean.

12When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes. Then he returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You are right. That is what I am. 14I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. 16What I’m about to tell you is true. A slave is not more important than his master. And a messenger is not more important than the one who sends him. 17Now you know these things. So, you will be blessed if you do them.

Playlist Song:

"Stand Up" by Cynthia Erivo

Materials needed:

Beads
Thin ribbon
Charm in the shape of a cross.

Message:

Today is Maundy Thursday. Sometimes we refer to it as Holy Thursday. The events that occurred on this night in the Upper Room took place before Jesus was arrested and crucified.

Jesus and his disciples were eating a special meal. Then Jesus did something that surprised everyone. He washed the disciples’ feet! Think about that for a moment. In those days, people wore sandals and walked everywhere, so the disciples’ feet were dirty. Usually, a servant washed the feet of dinner guests, but on this night, Jesus wanted to serve others himself. He told the disciples that they should do the same and follow his example and be willing to serve others.

What does that look like? Jesus says that we should serve others instead of trying to be first. Putting others before yourself? When we serve others, put them before ourselves. During Holy Communion, we are reminded of Jesus’ words when we are offered a piece of bread. We don’t take the bread first, but wait to be served, as the bread is offered to us. We receive Communion, not take Communion.

This scripture passage reminds us that Jesus wants us to follow his example and put others first. I wonder how you will put others before yourself this week. Can you think of a way to serve someone else? When can you serve others? Where can you serve others? (Allow children to respond.)

In today’s scripture passage, Jesus is in the Upper Room observing what we call the Last Supper or the Lord’s Supper. He speaks of many things, including sin, dishonesty, love, and forgiveness. Jesus wants us to know that those who are dependent on the Holy Spirit in life should have a strong prayer life.

Throughout Lent, our prayer beads have helped us with our prayer lives. Our playlist reminds us the powerful things we learn from following Jesus. Today’s song is “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo. It is a good reminder to stand up and follow God. Following God leads to freedom. And no matter what, we continue to follow and, in the words of the song, “Keep on keepin’ on.” In the Upper Room, Jesus reminds us that part of being a Christ follower is being willing to serve others and put others’ needs before your own.

As I add the prayer bead today, remember to pray for others and be willing to serve them by putting them before yourself. Pray for those who might need your help by providing a meal, a jacket, or even a kind word. Put others before yourself and instead of wanting to be first at everything, be last for a change. When you do that, watch the world around you change for the better. In the name of Jesus.

Prayer:

(Each week during the prayer, affix the bead to the ribbon when you begin the prayer.)

God of love and grace, thank you for teaching us how to serve others. Help us always remember your example. Give us an opportunity to be the example that Jesus taught us to be. Help us to be last and put others first. We come to you, willing to serve others. Now we ask, O God, for your help to make us more faithful to you through our actions each day. Amen.