When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:12-15, NIV).
Lord’s Supper is a night you share just once a year with your brothers and sisters in Christ to reflect on what God’s most priceless gift gave us. One of my most beautiful memories as a child was back home in our small church in Alfred, North Dakota. As the women came together, washing each other’s feet and crying, they sang praises to the Lord and hugged and spoke prayers of blessing over each other. I remember watching my mom and grandma among these women, and I wanted to experience this beautiful moment one day for myself.
This night always brought humility and forgiveness. Even though some of these ladies had differences between them, the Lord’s Supper was a moment when they set them aside. Understanding the gift Christ gave to each of us created in me a longing to know and feel what these women of God knew and felt in their hearts. Even when I was a small child, the Lord’s Supper impacted me every year. I’m thankful I have known His gift now as a young woman.
The verses about Christ washing His disciples’ feet in John 13 is so powerful! God’s gift sets an amazing example of love, humility, and forgiveness for us. Jesus’ humble act makes me long for the day when I can meet Him face to face. Our Savior’s heart is beautiful; He is what makes the Lord’s Supper beautiful!
Amber Michalak is receptionist in the General Conference offices and lives in Denver, CO, with her husband, Mike.