I did a Google search for “Maundy Thursday icons,” which resulted in some of the Last Supper and some of Jesus’ washing his disciples feet. I noticed this interesting tradition that jumped out at me. Interwoven through much of the iconography of the foot washing Peter has his hand on his forehead seemingly expressing some discomfort as depicted in these pictures:
I can identify with Peter. There seems to be something about us humans that aims to impress those we respect. It is difficult for us to receive when we want to prove ourselves. Similarly, when we see ourselves as superior to participating in a particular action it is troubling to see someone we admire do it in humility without pause.
The washing of the feet would have been the task of a humble servant (from what I have heard this act was optional for servants, not mandatory, but I cannot verify that at this time). In all likelihood Peter could not imagine himself performing the act. To see Jesus doing it must have been deeply troubling.
That this is the image Jesus provides for us as an example of “greatness” in his Kingdom is unsettling. It doesn’t fit our natural categories of thought. This Maundy Thursday I feel like Peter, hand planted on my forehead in distress, confusion abounding, wrestling with this new definition of “greatness.” Jesus is Lord. Watch him serve. Do likewise.
the archives near Emmaus 
Good point! And thanks for sharing the interesting pics.
In thinking about Jesus washing my feet, I can related to Peter. Jesus example is hard. To have my God, my Lord, my King, wash my feet (not only, but set the example for the conduct of my life) – fills me with shame.
Even so, this was no different than He as God of the universe, adorning Himself as a humble man, setting aside not only His glorious nature, but also the adoration and glory that was due to Him, staying his authority to call down all of the angels in heaven to fight for Him, to save Him from the cruel bitter judgement, the humiliation, the torture, and ultimately, the inhuman death from a world he came to save, and one which should not presume to judge its own God.
Is there no greater exhibition of humility than a perfect God who alone possesses the right to judge the world as its creator, allowing Himself to be judged by this same world (and ultimately condemned unjustly). Our own judgement condemns us. Thank God for His grace.
The washing of feet by Jesus pales in comparison. If this action by Jesus shames me this much, how much more will the judgement?
Howard
You’re welcome.
Andrew
Reminds me of Phil 2: Christ becomes as a slave though existing in the form of God. Even at that, it remains a model for us.
Brian, a friend’s comment on facebook led me to think that maybe Peter’s common expression in the icon tradition might be a reference to John 13:9—”Not just my feet, Lord, but also my head and my hands!”
Indeed, that is another possibility! Likely even. The fun thing about art is the subjectivity and interpretive invitation that it gives. Even as I look at the eyes of Peter in pic 1 and pic 2 I can see that suggestion while pic 3 with his eyes looking upward, and the other disciple covering his mouth, makes me sense tension.
In the last image, Peter has white hair, and a white beard. Is there some tradition Peter was older than the others (or is that mere artistic license)?
That is an interesting observation. I hadn’t noticed it at first. I’ve never heard anything about Peter being older. Hmmm.
Unfortunately for most my spiritual life in the past, this most significant theological point went over my head. I honestly could say that I didn’t get it when Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
I knew intellectually that if Jesus said it, it’s true, I just didn’t have any idea how I could conduct business that way and feel happier though. I just assumed if I did act that way, God would “like me better” and I didn’t have the inclination to sadly.
I regret it, but, I also appreciate The Lord leaving me here to have a taste of the eternal state now that He’s overcome my obtuse heart to an extent. This and Jesus praying on the cross for those who hated Him, if we miss every other message of the entire biblical text and learn from Him here, we will have done pretty good.