Jesus' ministry is a model of service. So it is no wonder that at his Last Supper Jesus would perform the ultimate example of service for his disciples. Witness and participate in it with your students by sharing this guided meditation.
Relax.
Be comfortable.
Close your eyes.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Be still.
Let go of all the distractions.
Let your worries fly away.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Imagine . . .
You are in a very simple room.
Sitting at a table with food and friends.
Jesus is there.
Peter, John, and all the other Apostles are there, too.
You are remembering the Passover together.
You are nervous about what will happen to Jesus during this festival.
Sit back and look around the table.
How does it feel to be with friends, feeling these mixed emotions.
Notice Jesus getting up.
He takes his cloak off,
ties a towel around his waist.
He fills a bowl with water.
He walks over to Peter and kneels down.
Watch Peter's face and the interaction between the two of them as Jesus washes Peter's feet.
What seems to be happening?
What are you hearing?
How do you think Peter feels?
The next thing you know Jesus is picking up the bowl.
Follow him with your eyes, moving around the table.
He is coming towards you.
He kneels down.
Looks into your eyes.
Reaches for your foot.
Spend some time interacting with Jesus while he washes your feet.
Jesus stands up in front of you.
He moves to the person sitting next to you.
You are left there, in your seat, with your thoughts from your personal encounter with Jesus.
Name them.
How are you feeling.
Jesus finishes with the last person at the table.
He throws out the water.
Unties the towel.
Puts on his cloak.
Sits down at the table.
He takes some time to look around the expressions of those who are there.
What is the mood of the group?
Jesus looks around at all of you.
He says: "Do you understand what I just did for you?"
You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Lord,'
and fittingly enough, for that is what I am.
But if I washed your feet—I who am Teacher and Lord—
then you must wash each other's feet.
As I have done, so you must do."
Just relax and think about what Jesus' words mean for you.
It is time to come back to this space.
Just continue to lie there.
Gently roll your ankles.
Wiggle your fingers.
Shrug your shoulders.
Open your eyes.
Allow yourself time just to come back slowly.
Sit up, stretch, yawn.
Slowly.
This meditation was written by Patty McCulloch and originally published in Encountering Jesus: 20 Guided Meditations on His Care and Compassion.
