Maunday Thursday Footwashings

So all this week for Holy Week, we've been doing some Scripture reading and other little activities to teach Tyler and Jessica about the REAL meaning of Easter. Because even Jessica was confused as to how dyed eggs and bunnies tied into Jesus dying on the cross for her sins and conquering death so that she might have eternal life! She's 4.5. She gets it!!

The readings, to be honest, have been tough to get through. The kids don't want to sit still at all, but when it comes time for the discussion afterwards, I'm always amazed at how much they did hear and how it just makes sense to them. They don't really question what we're trying to get across to them. Tyler is 9, Jessica is 4.5 and Isaac is 19 mos old...all on their own levels and somehow they all just get it.

All week has been fun and I'm sure, as the years go by they will learn to appreciate our little tradition. (Last years "empty tomb" cookies were such a disaster it almost made me not want to try any of these traditions for a few more years...)

But today? The activity today is something I have been looking forward too for YEARS!! We read about Jesus washing the disciples' feet and did a little feet washing of our own. Since we were down here with my parents, they got to join in on the fun. Bopa wasn't too sure about the logistics of how it was all going to play out, but once we got started we had everyone on board.

We decided to draw names for who would wash who's feet. (is it who or whom?) Tyler drew MorMor, Jessica drew Tyler, Bopa drew Jessica, I drew Bopa and MorMor drew my name. In no particular order we got started, all the while talking about what it must have been like to be Jesus. Or one of the disciples. Or Judas--knowing that he was going to betray Jesus. Being Jesus washing Judas' feet--knowing that he was going to betray him.

Tyler tying the towel around his waist just like Jesus

Now don't think for a second that we were all in deep thought and conversation the whole time. Those little nuggets of wisdom happened in like 3.6 seconds of the whole 45 minute foot washing session. (of course, the pictures will show you how it really went down....especially since Bopa was cracking jokes about who's water was dirtier and then when he pulled out the clippers and nail file for himself.)




Afterwards, we all went to the couch to talk about what it felt like to have our feet washed. And if it was easier to get your feet washed, or wash someone's feet? Then Bopa read our Scripture for the evening, reading from John 13:1-17. This was by far my favorite part, because it was when the kids really got to talk about the whole experience--for Jesus then and for us, today. Then we closed in prayer and I had both Tyler and Jessica say one thing they liked, appreciated, or learned from this experience, and also had them thank Jesus for the incredible example of servant hood.


If you've never done this before, I would highly recommend it. It (finally) brought on some great conversation!! And clean feet.


Tomorrow Mom and Dad will be leading the kids through the passages of when Jesus is tried, arrested and crucified. Followed by family communion.

We're learning from last years cookie disaster and making some "empty tomb" crescent rolls and marshmallows--more pictures to come of that!!

And of COURSE we will be hiding dyed eggs that the Easter Bunny left....because you just can't get away from that part of Easter, now can you!? :)