Greetings and blessed Maundy Thursday to you!
Today is Thursday in Holy Week – a day that we refer to as
Maundy Thursday. That term “Maundy” is an interesting one. Many assume that the
word comes from the word “maudlin” meaning “sentimental.” Actually, the word
comes from the Latin “Mandatum Novum” meaning “New Commandment,” as in Jesus’
new commandment given in the Gospel according to John. “A new commandment I
give you, that you love one another, just as I have love you, you also are to
love one another.” John 13:34
The liturgy in many of our congregations will include the
washing of the feet which is taken from the Gospel according to John:
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that
the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having
loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had
already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus
knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come
from God and was returning to God;4 so he got up from the meal, took off his
outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 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.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you
going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing,
but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with
me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but
my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to
wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every
one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he
said not every one was clean.
12 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. 13
John 13:1-20
Jesus has gathered with his disciples for the Passover
Supper. He followed the tradition of his fathers and his father’s fathers. This
was the night when they remember the work of God in rescuing the people of
Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, when the Angel of Death passed
over them.
However, this would not be a “normal” Passover Meal for
Jesus and the disciples because this was going to be his last. And Jesus, as he
did in his entire ministry used this as an opportunity to teach his disciples.
Can you imagine what it must have been like for Jesus? In
Jesus’ perfect knowledge he knew what would come this night in the garden. The
arrest, the trial, the crucifixion all stood ahead of him. And how does Jesus
respond in the face of what had to be tremendous pressure? WITH A PATIENT AND
CONTINUING LOVE.
“Having loved his own who were in the world he loved them to
the end.” John 13:1
How amazing to think of the depth of Jesus’ love! To know
that the Devil had already worked in Judas Iscariot. To know that Peter would
betray him. To know that the disciples would abandon him.
Jesus’ love of sinners is the very heart of the gospel.
Because of that, no one should be afraid to come to Jesus. People will say,
“How can he forgive or love someone as awful as me?” Answer: Because He is God!
That same love of Jesus is not temporal but enduring: “All that the Father
gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John
6:37
I pray you all a blessed Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy
Saturday and Easter Sunday!
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