Once upon a time I was part of a youth ministry, and when it came time of Lent season, a church invited us to be part of their Maundy Thursday. I of course never heard of it, so I wanted the tweens to know about it and learn together.

Well, to my surprise it was more than telling a story or sermon preached event. It was an experience - those times when the Bible comes to life in front of your eyes. The most impactful thing that got my attention was the washing of the feet. The tweens were hesitant, and so was I. I had to tell myself to get a grip, and as an example, I went forward to have my feet washed, then everyone else followed.

They were all giggly, and I let them be since it was their first time. So when they got closer, they stop the giggling, and let the people wash their feet. They seemed shocked because they too had heard the story, but had never experienced the servitude of someone washing their feet not knowing where they had walked.

John 13:15 says, “ For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

Then the church continued with a solemn service of stripping the church, and a loud bang of the door closing. Everyone was silent. We then all walked out without saying a word. On the ride back they asked a lot of questions, which I was happy to answer.

That experience was a great push for them wanting to learn more about Jesus. We went a couple more times, and every year the youth were getting older and looked forward to going. It was great because I was not familiar with that name, but I knew the story and got to experience it with the youth.

As the ministry continued, we also had lockins where more than 30 youth participated, and of course we would have the washing of the feet for everyone to experience. It was not only to show them how to wash somebody’s feet, but also to learn how to humble themselves and serve as Jesus did.

The moral of this story is that if you want your children to be kind, humble, and serve, they must watch you. They do not have Jesus to follow, so you must show them how it’s done. Believe me, they will remember what you show them more than what you tell them.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)

If you were a youth and you got to experience this, go forth like Jesus and do likewise!

Many blessings.