Foot washing facts for kids
Maundy is a special Christian tradition. It is also known as the Washing of the Feet. This religious custom is practiced by many different Christian groups around the world.
The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means "command". This name comes from a Bible verse (John 13:34). In this verse, Jesus gives his followers a "new commandment": "That ye love one another as I have loved you." The act of washing feet shows this loving humility. This tradition is often observed during Holy Week, especially on a day called Maundy Thursday.
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The Story Behind Maundy
The Gospel of John (chapter 13, verses 1 to 17) tells the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. This happened during the Last Supper, just before he was crucified. It was a very humble act, as washing feet was usually done by servants.
Jesus' Example of Service
After washing their feet, Jesus told his disciples:
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
—John 13:14–17 (NKJV)
This teaching showed them how important it is to serve others with humility and love.
Who Practices Foot Washing?
Many Christian groups observe the washing of feet. This often happens as a special service on Maundy Thursday during Holy Week.
Different Christian Traditions
Groups like Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Mennonites, and Catholics practice this ritual. For some, it is a church ordinance, which means it's a special practice or ceremony. Other groups that observe foot washing include Adventists, Anabaptists, Baptists, Free Will Baptists, and Pentecostals. They see it as an important example set by Jesus for his followers to imitate.
Images for kids
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Christ Reasoning with Peter, by Giotto di Bondone (Cappella Scrovegni a Padova).
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John V of Portugal performs the Washing of the Feet rite in Ribeira Palace, 1748.
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Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian of the Armenian Apostolic Church washing the feet of children.
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Foot washing by the Bishop of St Asaph, Church in Wales, Maundy Thursday.
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The Friday Night Communion and Foot Washing Service at the Nolynn Association of Separate Baptist in Christ
