While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26
The Last Supper
During Holy Thursday, we reflect on the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples. This sacred event signifies the establishment of the Holy Communion, which has become a central practice in our worship. At this gathering, Jesus transformed ordinary bread and wine into symbols of His body and blood. As His followers, we are called to remember this act of love and sacrifice. This moment illustrates the importance of fellowship among believers, reminding us to come together in unity and love. Sharing meals in Christ’s name allows us to participate in His mission and embody His teachings. As we commemorate this occasion, we are invited to renew our commitment to serving one another and establishing deep, loving connections within our community.
Matthew 26:26
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
1 Corinthians 11:24
And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
John 13:1
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. – John 13:1
Mark 14:22
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” – Mark 14:22
Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
Another significant act during Holy Thursday is when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. This gesture illustrates humility and servitude. It is a powerful reminder of our call to serve others, regardless of status or position. In a world often focused on power and prestige, Jesus challenges us to adopt an attitude of service. By washing the feet of His disciples, He demonstrated that true leadership is found in serving others. We are encouraged to follow Christ’s example by showing love and care for those around us, fostering a spirit of community and kindness. As we remember this event, it inspires us to take on roles of service in our own lives, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our interactions with others.
John 13:4-5
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:4-5
John 13:12-15
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:12-15
1 Peter 5:5
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Matthew 20:26-28
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. – Philippians 2:3
The New Covenant
On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the establishment of a New Covenant between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. This covenant signifies a change in our relationship with God, rooted in grace and forgiveness. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross transcends traditional laws and rituals, offering us a direct pathway to God’s love. This New Covenant invites us to embrace faith and trust, reminding us that God’s mercy is available to all who seek Him. As we reflect on this transformational relationship, we are called to live out our faith with joy and gratitude, recognizing the precious gift of salvation bestowed upon us through Christ’s love. We should encourage one another to embrace this covenant, spreading the message of hope and love that Christ exemplified.
Luke 22:20
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:20
Hebrews 8:6
But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6
Jeremiah 31:31
The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. – Jeremiah 31:31
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
The Agony in Gethsemane
Another key event on Holy Thursday is the Agony in Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed fervently before His arrest. This moment is powerful, as we witness His vulnerability and deep anguish. It reminds us that even in moments of distress, we can turn to God in prayer. Jesus demonstrated His reliance on the Father, showing us how to seek strength in difficult times. In our own lives, we may face challenges that cause us to feel overwhelmed. Just as Jesus sought solace through prayer, we too should seek God’s presence in our struggles. As we remember His suffering in the garden, we are encouraged to bring our burdens to Him, trusting that He will provide the comfort and peace we need.
Matthew 26:38
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” – Matthew 26:38
Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Mark 14:33-34
He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” – Mark 14:33-34
Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. – Hebrews 5:7
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16
True Sacrifice
Holy Thursday also leads us to contemplate the true sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption. His willingness to lay down His life for us exemplifies the depth of His love and commitment to humanity. Understanding this sacrifice encourages us to appreciate the gravity of His actions and inspires us to live lives of gratitude and devotion. Jesus invites us to respond to His love by giving our lives in service to others. While His sacrifice was unique, we are reminded that we too can offer sacrifices, whether big or small, in our daily choices to love and support one another. This Holy Thursday, let us honor His ultimate sacrifice by living out our faith in action, reflecting the love of Christ in every interaction.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. – 1 John 3:16
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
Unity in the Body of Christ
Holy Thursday invites us to reflect on unity within the Body of Christ. As we participate in the communion celebrated by Jesus, we are called to recognize our connection to one another. This unity is vital for us as believers, as it strengthens our fellowship and displays the love of Christ to the world. When we gather to break bread together, we honor Christ’s command to love one another and build community. We are reminded that, although we may have individual differences, our shared faith unites us in purpose and mission. This Holy Thursday, let’s take a moment to celebrate our unity and work towards building bridges in our community, ensuring that no one stands apart from the love of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. – 1 Corinthians 10:17
Romans 12:5
So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:5
Ephesians 4:3-4
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. – Ephesians 4:3-4
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
Ephesians 2:19-22
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. – Ephesians 2:19-22
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the events of Holy Thursday, we are reminded of the profound depth of Jesus’ love for us. The Last Supper, foot washing, and establishment of the New Covenant all teach us about service, humility, and unity. We feel called to embody these qualities in our daily lives and relationships. Remembering the Agony in Gethsemane helps us understand the importance of prayer in our moments of struggle. Through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we can appreciate the gift of salvation and embrace our mission to serve others, uniting us as one Body in Christ.
As we remember these significant moments, let us take the time to connect with fellow believers and friends, whether by breaking bread together or engaging in acts of service. With Christ at the center of our gatherings, we can create communities that mirror His love and grace. Let us explore related topics such as gathering to eat and gathering at the table, finding ways to deepen our connection with one another around God’s Word.
May we continually seek to live out the lessons learned on Holy Thursday each and every day.