“In today’s Truths for Troubled Times, Pastor Kim will help us prepare for Maundy Thursday by looking at the story of Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet on night before his crucifixion. Stick around to the the end to see an example of how you can use this story to lead a special time of family worship.”
Family Worship
Family Worship Devotional Download
This would be ideal for Thursday (but really for anytime).
(Note: at the end is the encouragement to wash one another’s feet. It would be good to have that prepared ahead of time)
Open in Prayer
Worship
• Sing a song or songs about the love of God (i.e. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us; Amazing Grace).
Or
• Read Psalm 118:1-4 out loud and discuss different ways God loves us.
Icebreaker Question: Name one thing you love to do, one thing you love to eat, and one place you love to visit.
Key Verses:
• John 13:3–5 — 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
• John 13:12–16 — 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
• John 13:34–35 — 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Key Idea: we should love each other undeservedly and uniquely.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is washing someone else’s feet (especially back then) such an act of love?
2. What was the greatest act of love that Jesus did? Why was it so important?
3. Why is it sometimes difficult to love, especially if we don’t feel people deserve it?
4. How can we practically love one another?
a. How can you love your siblings/parents/spouse/roommates better right now? (be specific)
b. How can we love others uniquely (neighbors, friends, extended family, Lighthouse members)?
Spend time in prayer as a family
Prayer Focuses: To love better.
1. To better understand and appreciate God’s love.
2. To better love one another.
3. For those who need grace (i.e. the sick; the financially hurting; the lonely; etc.)
Maundy Thursday Remembrance: Wash one another’s feet!
