Maundy Thursday

Today represents the day Jesus washed the disciples' feet during the Last Supper. The Thursday before Easter is part of Holy Week and sometimes called Holy Thursday. The disciples gathered to have their evening meal of Passover.

"So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, wrapped  a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples" feet, drying then with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now that I am doing, but later you will understand," (John 13:4-7 NIV).

Peter protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus knew Peter would deny him three times before He died. Jesus also knew that Judas Iscariot would betray Him. Everything that happened was part of God's plan.

"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. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17 NIV).

Jesus and his disciples shared the Passover meal together in an upper room. Only Jesus understood what was ahead. As He established the memorial meal we call communion, Jesus was showing the disciples how much He loved them, even with their weakness and the wrongs they would do. It teaches us also how much He loves us, even in our lowest moments.

Jesus prepares the disciples for what is ahead, though they don't understand. Still the Lord's Supper remains as a lasting memorial of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He died for our sins and one day we will share in the glory of His coming again.

May you be blessed this Holy Week by the reality of the amazing love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for you. He did it all for you.