Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
Children’s Resource
Maundy Thursday
Maundy comes from the Latin word “command”, “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 12:34-35 (ICB). On this special evening, Jesus meets with his friends. This is a special meal, it is a festival that the Jewish people celebrate with unleavened bread, since the time of Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt. Three importing events happen during this meal. The first is, Jesus blesses the meal and asks the disciples to do the same in memory of Him. The second is, Jesus reveals that one of his friends will betray him and he tells the disciples of His imminent death. The third is, Jesus washes his disciple’s feet, this is the act of servant leadership. We must look after and care for each other and we follow the example of Jesus.
Activity
Create a sacred space, you will need:
A white cloth
A candle
A Bible or Cross
A bowl or a basin of water and a towel
Children’s version of the Gospel for Maundy Thursday - Holy Thursday.
Read the Gospel to the Children, read only the verses below.
Ask the children to listen carefully.
Jesus Washes His Followers’ Feet John 13:1-17 (ICB)
It was almost time for the Jewish Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end.
Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to turn against Jesus. (Judas was the son of Simon.) Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything. He also knew that he had come from God and was going back to God. So, during the meal Jesus stood up and took off his outer clothing. Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Jesus came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered, “You don’t understand what I am doing now. But you will understand later.”
Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, then you are not one of my people.”
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head, too!”
Jesus said, “After a person has had a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” Jesus knew who would turn against him. That is why Jesus said, “Not all of you are clean.”
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and sat down again. Jesus asked, “Do you understand what I have just done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So, you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So, you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth. A servant is not greater than his master. A messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.
Activity
I invite Mum or Dad to wash the hands of each member of the family as a gesture of love and service to one another.
As you make this gesture, each member of the family will pray the Our Father….
Things to Do…
Sing the Servant Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdmgpMfnjdU
Watch this video clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv5ajWNrnt4
Intercessory Prayers for Children:
God our Father, we thank you for sending us Your Son Jesus. Help us to live by His example of love and service for others.
Lord hear us.
Lord graciously hear us.
2. God our Father, we pray for all members of our community who offer themselves in service to others, we pray especially for those who serve our community, especially our Priests.
Lord hear us.
Lord graciously hear us.
3. God our Father, we pray for all the sick in our communities, country and the world who are suffering at this time.
Lord hear us.
Lord graciously hear us.
4. God our Father, we pray for all recently deceased members of our community, we pray especially for their family and friends, that God will comfort them during this painful time.
Lord hear us.
Lord graciously hear us.
5. We ask Mary our mother to take these prayers and all our personal intentions to God our Father as we pray Hail Mary……….