holy week
Maundy Thursday
What is Maundy Thursday?
On Maundy Thursday we commemorate the day Jesus shared his Last meal with his disciples, which is where the ordinance of Holy Communion originates. Maundy: Latin word for "command" refers to Jesus' commandment in John 13:34 to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you."
John 13:34 ESV, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
What we learn is that Jesus is more than just a teacher, more than just a communicator. We learn here in John 13 that Jesus is a demonstrator. Instead of just giving words he gives us an example to follow.
John 13:1 Jesus is found with his disciples in a room prepared for them to enjoy their Passover meal. Before they engaged, John 13:4-5 Jesus got up from the table, removed his outer robe and took a towel and fastened it around his waist. He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet and dry them with the towel he had tied around his waist.
This was Jesus' demonstration of humility, submission and servanthood to those he did life with. Love surpasses words, events and moments. Love is a posture. Love a perspective. Love is an attitude. Love is the reflection of a person, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every year through this observation we are reminded of our excellent example of love, Jesus Christ and the command given to His disciples which now includes us - love as I have loved you.
Take an opportunity as we observe this Maundy Thursday to heed the words of Jesus, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:14-
On Maundy Thursday we commemorate the day Jesus shared his Last meal with his disciples, which is where the ordinance of Holy Communion originates. Maundy: Latin word for "command" refers to Jesus' commandment in John 13:34 to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you."
John 13:34 ESV, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
What we learn is that Jesus is more than just a teacher, more than just a communicator. We learn here in John 13 that Jesus is a demonstrator. Instead of just giving words he gives us an example to follow.
John 13:1 Jesus is found with his disciples in a room prepared for them to enjoy their Passover meal. Before they engaged, John 13:4-5 Jesus got up from the table, removed his outer robe and took a towel and fastened it around his waist. He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet and dry them with the towel he had tied around his waist.
This was Jesus' demonstration of humility, submission and servanthood to those he did life with. Love surpasses words, events and moments. Love is a posture. Love a perspective. Love is an attitude. Love is the reflection of a person, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every year through this observation we are reminded of our excellent example of love, Jesus Christ and the command given to His disciples which now includes us - love as I have loved you.
Take an opportunity as we observe this Maundy Thursday to heed the words of Jesus, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:14-
Consider someone you do life with. Everyone you do life with.
(Jesus is speculated to be in a room with his disciples, followers and some family which includes those who would betray (Judas), resist (Peter), doubt (Thomas), and abandon (all except the beloved John and noted women) and follow him through trial, resurrection and ascension.)
How will you serve?
Reflect the example of love and servitude of our Lord with someone you do life with today.
1. Prepare a basin or big bowl of some sort and fill with warm water and some soap.
2. Proceed with cleaning the feet of your loved one.
3. As you wash their feet pray for them. Reflecting Jesus' prayer in John 17
- Pray for their protection from external opposition and internal challenges. John 17:15
- Pray the Lord sanctifies them through His Word, that He washes them from condemnation, contempt, guilt and shame and he infuses peace, joy, peace and strength. John 17:17
- Pray they embrace the responsibility tied to the call God made on their lives.
As we engage and reflect on this resurrection weekend let us not only consider what Jesus did for us, but let us also consider what Jesus has commissioned us to do for Him.We show our love by doing the will of the Savior as the Savior exampled by doing the will of the Sovereign.
Family, let us serve in love on this Maundy Thursday.