Thursday, April 6, 2023
It was time for one of the biggest celebrations in the Jewish year, Passover. Jesus and all of his disciples were sitting together to enjoy a meal—their last meal—before the world’s most staggering, life-changing event would take place. Maundy Thursday is the Holy Week observance commemorating the Last Supper. Can you imagine being there, sitting with the disciples as Jesus spoke?
Luke 22:19-20
19 He (Jesus) took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
John 13:3-5; 14-15
3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
14 “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
In these few verses, Jesus gives us two commands. The first is to eat and drink in remembrance of his love for us. The second is to serve others, no matter their status, in remembrance of his love for them, too. (The word “maundy” means the ceremonial washing of the feet of the poor.)
After all of this, Jesus encouraged, instructed, and prayed over his friends and followers. Here is part of his prayer:
John 17:20-21
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
Jesus was praying for us, too, even though we weren’t yet in existence. He saw us and loved us, even then, so long ago. Take a moment and let that truth sink deep into your heart.
Questions:
What did you learn about Maundy Thursday? How can you honor today, knowing Jesus loved you then, loves you now, and will love you forever?
Next Steps:
Read slowly through John 14, 15, 16, and 17, knowing that Jesus spoke to them with you in mind. Find verses that stick out to you, and write them where you can see them throughout the day.
Find some time to obey the two commands Jesus gave during the Last Supper:
- Remember his loving sacrifice for you as you share a meal with those you love.
- Then remember his loving sacrifice for others by serving someone in your community, perhaps by picking up trash or writing a friendly letter.
Prayer:
Father, I can’t imagine your love. You love me and all others, and you want me to experience and share that love. I’m in awe knowing that the Almighty God chose to come down and break bread, drink wine, and wash feet with us. Thank you for praying over me. How incredible to believe you are noticing me! I trust you, I love you, and I am so grateful to be called your child. Amen.