Holy Week, DAY 4

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34 - 35 (ESV)

Today is Maundy Thursday.  The term Maundy Thursday is derived from the Latin phrase “Dies Mandatum” which means the mandate or “The Day of the new commandment.” Today’s reading highlights the commandment or mandate that Jesus gave to His disciples on the eve of His death.  Traditionally, the Church observes this evening with a ceremonial foot washing service and concludes with a time of communion with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 13).  Today,  we will look at the three key observances of Maundy Thursday that are intended to prepare us for the remembrance of Christ’s death and celebration of His resurrection for our justification.

Three Key Observances for Maundy Thursday: (Matthew 26 & John 13 – 17)

1. The Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-30, Luke 22:14-20): Fellowship and Communion.  We celebrate fellowship with Christ, the disciples, and with one another.  We partake in communion with God.  The bread represents the body of Christ; it signifies the death Christ died for humanity that all who believe will be saved.  The cup represents the blood of the New Covenant (the new agreement God made with humanity based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) (Jer. 31:31 – 34).  The new covenant accomplished what the old could not and that is the removal of sin and cleansing of the conscience[1]
2. Washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:1-17): Servanthood- Jesus said that what He is doing is an example of what the disciples should do for one another.  He then talks about serving one another. 
3. Jesus’ prayer (John 17:6-26): Unity- As we saw earlier in the week Jesus prays for Himself (1-5) that God would be glorified through His death. He prays for His disciples (6-19) protection, and unity among the disciples, and He prays for us (20-26) to have unity in the body of Christ.  He prays for those who will come (us) that we may have unity and not discord.
   
   

As you observe or celebrate Maundy Thursday what are some ways that you can pray for, serve and practice the command to love one another as Jesus loved you?
 


[1]Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.