It was at the last supper that Christ announced he would be betrayed by one of his closest associates, to the shock of all the rest. It was at this last supper that Christ broke bread and shared the cup around the table, giving us the sober reminder of his sacrifice that is repeated in churches and Christian gatherings throughout the world, until he comes again.
Yet Maundy Thursday refers to the Latin word mandatum, which means commandment. It recalls the moment when Jesus is washing his disciples feet, in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
So along with the celebration of communion, many traditions have foot-washing ceremonies on Holy Thursday. It is so humbling to participate, to allow someone to wash our feet is unsettling, and brings to mind how uncomfortable it must have been for the disciples to allow Jesus to kneel in servitude to cleanse their dusty feet.
As we commemorate Maundy Thursday today, we need to remember the sacrifice represented by the bread and the wine. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb who gave himself for our sake, taking the punishment of our sins. But we also should remember the humble heart of this servant-king who died for us, and remember that we are called to walk in his footsteps. We are commanded to love one another as he loved us.
So, consider today how he loved us. He loved humbly; serving those he came to save. He loved without concern for status; as he dined with sinners, with tax-gatherers. He loved with patience; as he continued patiently explaining and teaching the disciples despite their apparent dullness at times. He loved with truth; he loved the Samaritan woman enough to confront her. He loved generously; as everywhere he walked, people reached out to touch him, to speak with him, to have a moment of his time.
Today is a good day to consider those words. Imagine the power of loving as Jesus loved!
John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Blessings,
Cara and Patti
Classic Christianity