Maundy Thursday in Quarantine
“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.”
– John 13:12-15
Well, it's Maundy Thursday of what is most definitely the strangest Holy Week in my memory. Maundy Thursday is the day in which Christians recognize Jesus' last supper with his disciples before his betrayal and we commemorate Jesus' controversial act of washing the feet of his disciples.
Have you ever been to a footwashing service? If you are like me and dislike feet, they can make you a little uncomfortable. Even without an aversion to feet, washing another person's feet is an intimate act that causes both the foot washer and the foot owner to be vulnerable and unguarded with one another. I have been to a couple of such services and both of them were memorable and moving to me for these very reasons.
It is the image of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples that is emblematic of what we describe as "servant leadership," which continues to be as radical a concept in today's world as it was back in Christ's day. Jesus is humbling himself to care for and honor his followers, and challenging his followers to follow suit and do the same to each other.
Right now, those with essential jobs are modeling this humble leadership as they provide the rest of us with the goods, services, and care that we need to be able to make through the coming days, weeks and months. May we receive their humble leadership with grace and humility as well, doing our part to serve others in return.
If you are like me, you may be wondering how you can serve others while social distancing. If you are quarantined with family or roommates, you are likely beginning to be poking one another's nerves and finding the patience and strength to metaphorically (or hey, literally, if you feel moved) wash that person's feet may be a more difficult act of strength than usual.
But also, you can check on your neighbors, making sure they have enough to eat. You can resist the urge to panic-shop and choose to leave items on the shelf for others. You can do your best to stay as socially distanced as possible as to protect the health of those around you. This is the servant leadership our world needs right now. So keep your eyes open in these days to ways that you can serve others within your families and in our community, knowing that the love of Jesus calls us not to glamour or status, but to menial, often tedious work. Don't underestimate the power of such acts of service.
Kelsey Lewis Vincent
Pastor for Youth and Families
First Baptist Church Decatur