Maundy Thursday for Families at Home

The Family as Church: Maundy Thursday

– Foot Washing Service and Breaking of Bread –

Today is called Maundy Thursday. It is the Thursday before Easter.  The word “Maundy” comes to us as an Anglo-French word derived from the Latin “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” It refers to when Jesus, in the Upper Room during the Last Super, said to the disciples: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

Because Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at this – their last supper together – the church commemorates this gesture by washing each other’s feet in remembrance of Christ’s example of humility and love.

Introduce the worship service, solicit additional input from family members (songs, location for service, etc.) and invite family members to collect the following items:

  • A Bible, a candle, a cloth for the table

  • A basin and pitcher for washing feet

  • Possibly a bath mat

  • Several towels

  • A chair for sitting in to have your feet washed

  • A plate with bread and crackers and cheese, or simple sandwiches 

Let us make the Sign of the Cross and read the Opening Prayer: 

This is the day that Christ the Lamb of God gave himself to all people of all times. This is the day that Christ took a towel and washed the disciples’ feet, giving us an example that we should do to others as he has done to us.  This is the day that Christ our God gave us the holy feast of bread and wine, his body and blood. Amen. 

The Scripture for today is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13: You may use the brief reading below for children 3rd grade and below. For older children, read John 13:1-15.

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

Each family member may take turns washing and having their feet washed.

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Leader: As we pass this plate of food and break this bread together, may we remember Christ, our Good Shepherd, who is present in our love for one another and in the bread and wine of Eucharist.

Song Idea:  “Peace is Flowing Like a River”