Worship Tools #
Worship Outline #
Additional Scriptures
Exodus 12:1–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Many Maundy Thursday services include the sacrament of Communion to represent the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples, but this service will include a foot washing inspired by the lectionary text in John. You may feel free to add Communion if you feel it is proper.
Worship Setting
Keep the worship setting simple with a basin full of water and a towel as the focus. Include a pitcher of water to be poured into the basin.
Prelude
Welcome and Statement of Purpose
Maundy Thursday can be translated as “commandment” Thursday. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). This day marks a new way of being for the church in the world as Jesus models servant ministry.
Call to Worship
Psalm 116:12–19
Hymn
“This Is a Day of New Beginnings” CCS 495
OR “Hallelu, avday Adonai” sing twice CCS 124
If this is unfamiliar consider singing along with the vocal recording from Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House.
Learning to Receive
Scripture Reading
John 13:1–11
Draw attention to the worship setting by pouring water into the basin and setting the stage for the feet washing.
Scripture Challenge
Based on John 13:1-11. Challenge participants to examine how they may be resisting God’s love like Simon Peter did.
Hymn
“From You I Receive” CCS 611
Sing three times. Encourage participants to sing in languages different than their own.
OR “How Shall We Find You” CCS 10
OR “God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name” CCS 627
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Learning to Serve
Scripture Reading
John 13:12–17
Focus Moment
Feet Washing
Invite participants to find a partner making sure everyone is paired. There may be a group of three. Have partners take turns washing each other’s feet in imitation of Jesus and his disciples. You can also have everyone sit in a circle and move around the circle, each person washing the feet of the person to their right. You may substitute the feet washing with hand washing. However, the point is to be pushed beyond our comfort zones as we are called to minister to all in a radically new way. Soft music may be played in the background during this Focus Moment, or it may be done in silence.
Learning to Love
Scripture Reading
John 13:31b–35
Hymn
“The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound” CCS 347
OR “Ubi Caritas et Amor” Repeat several times CCS 152
Reflection Moment
As worshipers balance the joy of this moment with Jesus and the grief of his death to come tomorrow, have them reflect on these questions. Print or project these questions for all to see. Provide soft music and allow time for silent reflection.
- What feelings emerged for you during the foot washing?
- How will you love and serve based on Jesus’ new commandment?
- Will you follow Jesus to the cross and make the passage from old life to new life, or will you continue to watch from afar?
Hymn
“Holy Woman, Graceful Giver” CCS 464
OR “Redeeming Grace” CCS 497
OR “Alleluia” Sing several times CCS 117
Benediction
Response
Sending Forth
Psalm 116:1–2
Postlude
*Since this is not a “traditional” Sunday service, you may not have a specific moment for Disciples’ Generous Response. However, you are encouraged to put out an offering basket and refer to it or make note of it in your service outline or bulletin.
**For the same reason mentioned above, you may not have a specific moment for a prayer for peace. You are encouraged to make space in the service for this time as it is suitable for your gathering.
Sacred Space #
Gathering
Welcome
Maundy Thursday is the night on which the Lord’s Supper first was celebrated. The central theme of that first Lord’s Supper was one of humble service. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and commanded that they do the same for each other. Jesus taught that he came not to be served, but to serve; to share the hospitality of God and the intimacy of breaking bread together.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Loving and humble God,
Today we make ourselves vulnerable to your Spirit. You showed the disciples vulnerability as you stooped to wash their feet. How might we have the same courage to do the same with our friends and neighbors as we seek to create peace? You create spaces for each person at your table and feed us in a new way, allowing us to take peace into our hearts. Grace us with that peace so that we may share it. May the voices of servant-leaders focused on peace be uplifted over the voices of hatred and division so that all may find their place at the table. Amen.
—Caleb and Tiffany Brian
Spiritual Practice
Maundy Thursday Reflection
Say: Our spiritual practice today is a time of listening and personal reflection. The reading is taken from “Holy Week” by Keri Hill.
As we begin, find a comfortable place to sit, with feet on the floor and arms gently resting with hands in your lap, or however you feel comfortable.
three second pause
Become aware of your breathing. In and out. Simply rest in the natural rhythm of your breath.
three second pause
I will read several paragraphs then pause to pose a series of reflection questions: followed by one minute of silence for personal reflection.
Then I will read some additional paragraphs, pause, and pose a series of reflection questions: followed by another minute of silence for personal reflection.
After the second silence I will offer a brief prayer of gratitude and blessing.
three second pause
Rest in the natural rhythm of your breath.
three second pause
I was there on Golgotha, on the outskirts of the crowd that had gathered to watch as Jesus was crucified.
Jesus’s mother Mary and his brother John were at the base of the cross, sobbing. Mary had her arms stretched out towards her son. It was such a sobering sight. I found it strange, though, that Jesus’ other disciples were not there. They had not been seen since Jesus’ arrest. It had been said that his closest companion, Peter, had even denied knowing him. Where was he now? Was he filled with so much fear that he hid in the darkest shadows instead of being there with Jesus?
I avoided the Jewish leaders who were also there. They watched with smug expressions as Jesus was nailed to the wooden beams and lifted up. Their very presence seemed to feed the viciousness of the soldiers, which in turn fed the crowd of onlookers. One soldier placed a sign above his head which read, “King of the Jews,” and then he put a sponge soaked in wine vinegar on his lips, which I’m sure was meant to be an insult. On the ground, a few of the soldiers had gathered around a stone. The soldiers were casting lots for a piece of the robe as though it would become a prized souvenir.
I kept my distance. Most of the hecklers were people that had followed Jesus for miles and miles. Just a week ago they shouted, “Hosanna,” as he came into town on a donkey. How could a man be so loved one moment and then hated and condemned to death the next? I had heard people speak of Jesus as the King who would put an end to the reign of the Roman rulers and free Jerusalem from oppression and corruption. I had seen enough roaming preachers come and go to put any hope into Jesus. Now, as Jesus hung on the cross, many around me spoke about feeling deserted and betrayed. As I stood there, I realized that maybe I had hoped Jesus was the savior–just a little. Of course, I was right not to get too invested.
three second pause
Consider how the speaker described the onlookers of the crucifixion.
three second pause
How is the speaker masking their pain and fear?
three second pause
What are some of the ways you avoid feeling sadness and grief?
Observe 60 seconds of silence
There were two convicted criminals that were also crucified alongside Jesus. The one on the left was ruthless and coldhearted, this I knew. As he neared death, he joined in with the crowd calling for Jesus to save himself if he was truly the King of the Jews. He even mocked Jesus, telling him to save himself and the other criminal as well. “What a way to act as you are about to draw your last breath,” I had thought to myself.
I was there that day because the other criminal was my brother. For as long as I can remember, he was getting into trouble. He made some poor choices, which connected him with dangerous people, which led to more situations with poor options, until finally my parents outcast him from my family. But I could not leave him to die alone. He was my big brother, and he always looked out for me and did what he thought was right to protect me. Even as I had prayed many times for him to change his ways, I had always thought his journey would either end in a darkened street or here on a cross.
Then, suddenly, Jesus looked up to the sky and cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing!” I was shocked by the words. Who was he asking forgiveness for? The Roman soldiers who beat and whipped him as they mocked him? Was it the crowd of hecklers? Was it all of us onlookers, standing by and doing nothing?
three second pause
The narrator distances themself from the Jewish leaders and followers physically, pointing out that they are not near any of the people crucifying Jesus.
three second pause
It is easy for us as modern readers to distance ourselves, too. Being human, though, we all have hurt–and been hurt by–our loved ones.
three second pause
Whom do you need to forgive?
three second pause
From whom do you need forgiveness?
Observe 60 seconds of silence
Holy One,
In the quiet of this sacred time,
we give thanks for your presence among us—
gentle, steady, and unbroken.
As we have listened, reflected,
and walked the tender path of this night,
we are grateful for the stories that hold us,
the love that claims us,
and the Spirit that meets us here.
Stay with us in the silence.
Open our hearts to the mystery of your grace,
and strengthen us to follow where your love leads.
Amen.
Sharing Around the Table
John 13:1-17, 31-35 NRSV
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. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 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 and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
…When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When Jesus washes the disciples’ feet it typifies how he lived in service to others. It is the gospel in action.
The passage tells us Jesus “took off his outer robe” before washing the feet of the disciples. In Greek, another meaning can be to “lay down one’s life.”
Once Jesus washed their feet, he wiped them with a towel. The word the author used for wiped also can mean to anoint. Anointing is a sacred act of using oil as a symbol of God’s presence.
The original hearers of this passage may have pictured Jesus getting up and taking off his robe, washing the disciples’ feet, and then drying them with a towel. But, they also might have understood that Jesus laid down his life for the disciples, washed and anointed their feet—consecrating them and bringing them into God’s presence. The dual meaning deepens this beautiful passage about servant ministry. This small part of the longer passage, expresses the ministry and message of Jesus.
This passage ends with Jesus challenging his disciples (then and now) to live this message. He gives a new commandment that requires disciples to “love one another. Just as I have loved you.” This is how everyone will know these are disciples of Jesus Christ—by their acts of servant ministry.
Questions
- How can you “wash the feet of another” in today’s world?
- Describe a time when you saw someone offer humble service.
- What do your actions tell others about you?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
God of rejoicing, We share with joy-filled hearts in response to the presence of your Son. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others that they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
CCS 458, “Were You There” (verses 1-2)
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Statement
Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.
Invitation to Communion
All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
On this Maundy Thursday let us meet Jesus at the table, sharing Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and servant ministry. In preparation let’s sing Community of Christ Sings 461, “Ah, Holy Jesus”
Thoughts for Children
Materials: baby wipes or hand sanitizer
Share the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples:
Jesus loved his friends very much. For Jesus, love is shown by doing kind things for others, or serving others. He wanted to show his friends how important this was. So he took a bowl of water and a towel, and he knelt and washed their feet.
Washing feet was a task that servants did as family and guests came into the house. People wore sandals or went barefoot, and their feet could get very dirty. Foot washing helped keep the people and the inside of the house clean.
Jesus washed the feet of his friends—like a servant would—to show them how important it is to serve others.
When we go out, our hands get very dirty. What are some ways you wash your hands each day? Offer affirming responses to the children’s answers.
One way I wash my hands when I am in a car or a busy place is with a moist wipe.
Open a wipe and wash your hands with it. Ask if you may wash the hands of the children. If the child agrees, quietly wash each child’s hands.
Now we can do what Jesus did and wash the hands of our friends and family. One by one have each child wash the hands of someone in the group until everyone’s hands have been washed.
When you are done, offer a short prayer of thanksgiving for these young people who follow Jesus.
Sermon and Class Helps
Exploring the Scripture
This familiar text is a favorite when preaching on the topic of humility and service. Jesus washing the disciples’ feet typifies how he lived daily in service to others, giving self, meeting the needs of all. It is the gospel in action. Simply admitting we should live in such a way is an important message to share with others always. However, if we take some time to explore the depths of this scripture passage, we will find an even greater understanding of Jesus’s message and life.
An important question to ask when studying a scripture passage is, “How might the original readers or hearers of this passage have understood it?” Putting it another way, “If I listen with first- or second-century ears, how might I hear this text differently?”
One way to do this is to examine the text as it was written in Greek. When we look specifically at the part where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and examine the Greek words, the passage takes on a deeper meaning. The passage tells us Jesus, “took off his outer robe” (v. 4) before washing their feet. The Greek word can also mean “Lay down one’s life.” The passage further states that once Jesus washed their feet, he wiped them with a towel. The word the author used for wiped can also mean “anoint,” the sacred act of using oil as a symbol of God’s presence, an act of consecration.
The original hearer or reader of this passage may have pictured Jesus getting up and taking off his robe, washing the disciples’ feet and then drying them with a towel. But, they might also have had the other images in their minds, if they understood the double meaning of the words describing how Jesus got up, laid his life down for the disciples, washed their feet and anointed them—consecrating them and bringing them into God’s presence. This understanding takes a beautiful passage about servant ministry and further deepens our understanding of what it means to be a servant of others. The simple act of humbly washing feet becomes a message of giving one’s life for another, to understand God’s love and grace. Shortly after the meal, Jesus showed this even more clearly, as he walked to the cross as a final proclamation of God’s grace for all.
This small part of the longer passage, expresses the message Jesus came to share. We cannot forget the end of the passage when Jesus challenges his disciples (then and now) to live this message. He gives a new commandment that requires disciples to “love one another. Just as I have loved you” (v. 34). Jesus showed this love by washing the disciples’ feet. He now asks his disciples to express this same understanding to others. This is how everyone will know these are disciples of Jesus Christ—by their acts of servant ministry.
The word Maundy has its roots in the Latin word, mandatum, which has many meanings including mandate, instruction, decree, and order. The name for Holy Week Thursday is based on the new commandment Jesus shares during the Passover meal.
Central Ideas
- Servant ministry in action is the call of the disciple.
- Jesus’s life is one of humble service to others.
- The Thursday of Holy Week is called “Maundy” [mandate, instruction], referring to the new commandment, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.”
Questions for the Speaker
- How willing are we to “Love one another. Just as I have loved you”?
- Do our actions cause others to know us as disciples of Jesus?
- How can you “wash the feet of another” in today’s world?
- Congregations often share meals. What likenesses might there be between these meals and the Last Supper?
- Think of those who display humble service. What are characteristics of their ministry?