Bath time for little ones is a time of great enjoyment, because it means undivided attention from a parent who needs to be on hand to make sure the child is safe. It works that way when an elderly parent needs help bathing too. This very personal time is a way to show compassion for those we care about.

One of the highlights of Maundy Thursday was the love Jesus demonstrated for His disciples when He washed their feet. He placed Himself in a position reserved for servants. Can you imagine how much grime a person would pick up walking in sandals through all kinds of filth each day? Streets weren’t paved – they were littered with garbage – cluttered with dirt and animal dung – a breeding place for disease. It was a necessary daily task to clean them thoroughly – getting deep into every nook and cranny.

We are exposed to similar dirt in our lives, but it goes much deeper than a need for surface washing. The only way our sin can be eliminated is through the cleansing that comes from Christ alone. When He washed His disciples’ feet He was demonstrating the internal cleansing He would provide for the entire human race.

Maybe since families are now isolated and confined to their homes, it might be a good time to establish the practice of washing feet on this day.  We could read the Bible scripture, John 13:1-10 first.  Talk about all the reasons Jesus did this to show his servant attitude.  Then the parents can wash their children’s feet, followed by the children washing their parents’ feet. This extremely intimate act can be handed down as an Easter tradition from here on.

When Jesus died for us, the ugliness of sin was washed away. Through this ever so personal act, He also established His bond with us. We now have that perfect relationship with the Father – the one He always intended for us.