Maundy Thursday
Sometimes called Holy Thursday, is the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the last Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples, often referred to as the Last Supper. At this meal, two important events occurred.
First, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Washing feet was a job for the lowliest servant. But Jesus, our Lord and Savior, humbled Himself and served His disciples. After He did so, He said, You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. (John 13:13-15). Later that night, Jesus instructed, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35). From the Latin word for “command,” Maundy refers to this new instruction.
The second important event is the institution of Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist). Matthew 26:26-29 says, “While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Please join us Thursday at 7:00 for a service featuring a foot washing ceremony and communion.