“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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 11:23-24
Instituted Communion
In the context of Maundy Thursday, we recognize that this day is marked by the institution of Communion, also known as the Last Supper. It is during this significant evening that Jesus shared a meal with His disciples, establishing the practice of breaking bread and sharing the cup as a means to remember His sacrifice. When we partake in Communion, we are joining together in remembrance of Christ’s body given and blood shed for our salvation. Jesus calls us to carry on this sacred tradition that embodies unity, remembrance, and gratitude. We come together not only to recall Jesus’ last moments but also to reaffirm our bonds with one another as His followers.
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
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
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
1 Corinthians 10:16
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
On Maundy Thursday, we also reflect on the moment when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. This act of humility and service demonstrated to us the importance of serving one another. As a community of faith, we should embrace this lesson in our own lives, understanding that true leadership is manifested in serving others. We recognize that Jesus, the Messiah, chose to serve rather than to be served. In performing this simple but profound act, He teaches us that love and service to one another are fundamental to our walk with Him. By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus called us to let go of our pride and to treat one another with love and respect.
John 13:14
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
John 13:15
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:15
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
The New Commandment
Another key aspect of Maundy Thursday is the new commandment that Jesus gave to His disciples, which centers around love. This commandment is particularly striking because it provides clarity on how we should treat one another within the body of Christ. In calling us to love one another as He loves us, Jesus sets forth a challenge for how we express that love in our everyday lives. As we reflect on this commandment, we are reminded that our commitment to one another demonstrates our commitment to God. It is through our love for each other that we show the world who Jesus is and what He represents.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
Maundy Thursday leads us into the events that culminate in Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. This day is marked by a deep sense of sorrow, as we witness the moments that precede the crucifixion. Those closest to Jesus faltered, showing us how fragile our nature can be. Judas betrayed Him, and Peter denied Him. As we read these accounts, we pinpoint a lesson in our own lives: we are prone to failure, yet grace is always available. It is vital to remember that even when we fall short, Jesus offers love and forgiveness. Rather than focusing solely on betrayal, we also reflect on His unwavering love amidst adversity.
Matthew 26:48
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” – Matthew 26:48
Luke 22:47
“While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him.” – Luke 22:47
Mark 14:43
“Just then Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.” – Mark 14:43
John 18:10
“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” – John 18:10
Matthew 26:56
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” – Matthew 26:56
Prayer in the Garden
During Maundy Thursday, we remember the moment Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. This was a time of deep anguish and pleading before the Father, illustrating Jesus’ human side as He faced the ordeal of the crucifixion. We find ourselves in a position of relating to this struggle; it helps us understand the importance of prayer in our own challenges. Jesus’ call to pray reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty and trial, we can turn to God. In our own ‘gardens’ of doubt and fear, we can seek comfort through prayer, just as Jesus did. It teaches us that in our darkest moments, we can rest in communion with the Father.
Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:39
Mark 14:35
“Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” – Mark 14:35
Luke 22:42
““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
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
John 17:1
“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” – John 17:1
Reflection on Jesus’ Love and Sacrifice
As we mark Maundy Thursday, it invites us to reflect on Jesus’ immense love and the sacrifice He made for us. This day is a poignant reminder of the depth of Christ’s love, culminating in His willingness to lay down His life. We are challenged to live a life that reflects that same love towards others. It inspires us to be agents of grace and mercy in our interactions, just as Jesus was. Through His actions, we learn the true meaning of love through sacrifice. This provision of love reshapes our hearts and actions so that we can be ambassadors of love in a world that desperately needs it.
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
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
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
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
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
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Maundy Thursday, we are reminded of the rich teachings and deep meaning of this profound day in the Christian faith. From the institution of Communion to the act of washing feet, we learn about love, humility, and service. Jesus demonstrated these qualities in His final hours, offering us guidance on how to embrace them in our daily lives.
We may face challenges like betrayal and uncertainty, but we find comfort in His unwavering love and the power of prayer. It’s truly inspiring to consider how we can embody His command to love one another as He loves us. Let us carry the spirit of Maundy Thursday into our hearts, bringing light and love to the world around us.
For more inspiration, I encourage all to explore other topics such as gathering to eat and gathering at the table which both remind us of the joy of fellowship and community.