Looking for a meaningful and simple way to share the story of Maundy Thursday with your children?
This special day in Holy Week reminds us of Jesus’ incredible love, humility, and the beautiful gift of communion. Below, you’ll find a free devotional designed especially for families and kids, featuring scripture, thoughtful reflection, and a hands-on craft to help bring the lesson to life.
Want even more? You can get the full Maundy Thursday devotional with multiple activities on Teachers Pay Teachers—or grab the entire Holy Week Family Devotional for just $0.99 on TPT or Kindle!
Let’s help our children grow in faith and wonder this Easter season—one day at a time.
Bible Story & Reflection
Scripture: Luke 22:15–16 (KJV)
“And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
What Happened on Maundy Thursday?
On this night, Jesus shared His Last Supper with His disciples. But before the meal, He did something unexpected: He knelt down and washed their feet.
That was the job of a servant—not a king! But Jesus was teaching His disciples (and us!) to be humble and to serve others with love.
Then, at the table, He broke the bread and shared the cup. He told them these represented His body and blood, given for them. This was the first communion. He wanted His disciples to understand that He was about to willingly give His life for them.
Even though Jesus knew what was coming, He still chose to show love, humility, and forgiveness.
Maundy Thursday is a day to remember how deeply Jesus loved—and how He calls us to love and serve like Him.
But, wait what Does Maundy Mean?
- The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning command.
- Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you…” —John 13:34 (KJV)
- We call it Maundy Thursday to remember the command Jesus gave us: To love others just as He loves us.
Discussion Questions
- How does it feel to know Jesus served others—even though He was their King, Lord, Teacher, Messiah, God, and the only one worthy to be served? It reminds us how important it is to love and care for one another.
- What does communion help us remember? Jesus’ sacrifice—His body and blood given for us.
- How can we follow Jesus’ example and serve others this week?
Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us what true love looks like. Please help us to be kind, humble, and willing to serve others—like You. Amen.”
Craft Activities
1. Humble Hands Foot-Washing Craft
Supplies:
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pencil or marker
- Optional: Paper towel or tissue
Instructions:
- Trace each child’s hand and foot on construction paper. Cut them out. On the hand shape, write “Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
- On the foot shape, write one way they can serve someone this week (e.g., help a sibling, pray for a friend).
- Glue the hand and foot together like they are holding.
Optional: Add a tissue or paper towel between to represent foot washing.
The Big Lesson: Jesus became like a servant and washed His friends’ feet. He showed us that no act of love is too small—and that real leaders serve others.
2. Last Supper Memory Mat
Supplies:
- Paper plates or Paper
- Markers or crayons
- Optional: cups, crackers
Instructions:
- Have kids draw the Last Supper table with Jesus and the disciples around it. In the center, draw bread and a cup.
- They can decorate it as a placemat or memory mat.
The Big Lesson: Jesus shared this meal to help us remember His love and sacrifice. When we take communion, we remember that Jesus gave everything for us.
3. Servant’s Heart Water Bowl Experiment
Supplies:
- A shallow bowl
- Water
- Pepper (represents sin or pride)
- Dish soap (represents Jesus’ humility)
Instructions:
- Fill the bowl with water and sprinkle pepper on top. The pepper floats and spreads across the surface.
- Now dip a finger in dish soap and touch the water. The pepper quickly scatters!
The Big Lesson: Just like the pepper scatters, sin can’t remain where God’s holiness is present. The light of Jesus drives out darkness, and His purity repels pride and selfishness.
4. Communion Bread Bake
Supplies:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/3 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients to form a simple dough. Divide into 10–12 small rounds and flatten each to about 1 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
The Big Lesson: Jesus broke bread to show that His body would be broken for us. Communion is a powerful reminder that He gave His life so we could have an everlasting one—completely forgiven and free.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow is Good Friday—the day Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. It’s the hardest day of the week—but it leads to the greatest hope of all.hed His friends’ feet. He showed us that no act of love is too small—and that real leaders serve others.
Want more activities for this day? Download the full day and activities on TPT for FREE!
I hope this Maundy Thursday devotional blessed your family and sparked meaningful conversations about Jesus’ love and humility.
To continue the journey through Holy Week, I’d love to invite you to explore the full 8-day devotional, packed with engaging Bible reflections, prayers, and hands-on activities for each day—from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday!
👉 Grab the entire week for just $0.99 on Kindle or TPT, or
👉 Download the full Maundy Thursday lesson with bonus crafts and object lessons on my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Let’s keep planting seeds of faith and truth—together. 💛
With joy,
~Amy
