Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.” On this day, Jesus gathered with his disciples in the upper room in the hours before his betrayal, trial, and execution. There, he said to his disciples, “I give you a new commandment: Love one another.” (John 13:34). Before dinner, Jesus washed his disciples feet. This humble act of service scandalized the Apostles, and Peter at first refused to have his Lord debase himself in such a way. “Unless I wash you,” Jesus replied, “you have no part with me.” After Jesus had finished, he said, “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.” (John 13:14-15) Matthew then continues the story, “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.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Soon after this, Judas left the room and went out into the night, resolved to betray Jesus into the enemy’s hands. Christians have historically observed this day by gathering to wash one another’s feet and celebrating one final Lord’s Supper before beginning the dark descent toward Jesus’ suffering and death on Good Friday.
Almighty Father, whose most dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it in thankful remembrance of Jesus Christ our Savior, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing
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