Maundy Thursday Homily by Pastor Erin Bovendam Calvary Lutheran Church Perham MN US

Pastor Erin reflected on how Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet is a vivid, living example of what it means to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) in real life.

Though John’s Gospel doesn’t list the fruit of the Spirit explicitly, Pastor Erin showed how Jesus models each of those qualities through His humble, loving service:

• Love – Jesus loves His disciples “to the end,” even knowing their flaws and betrayals.
• Gentleness – He kneels to wash their feet, gently caring for them like a servant.
• Patience & Kindness – He doesn't scold or shame; He serves, even those like Judas and Peter.
• Faithfulness – Jesus stays true to His mission and His love, even in His final hours.
• Self-Control – Though He is Teacher and Lord, He restrains power to uplift others.

Pastor Erin encouraged the congregation to see that living out the fruit of the Spirit means taking on the posture of a servant, just like Jesus. It’s not about status, pride, or comfort—it’s about love expressed through action, especially when it's inconvenient or undeserved.

She invited everyone to ask: “Whose feet is Jesus calling me to wash?” In other words, where can I show love, humility, and Spirit-led kindness in my everyday life?