Maundy Thursday

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Today is Thursday of the Passion Week of Christ. It’s the day that Christ followers remember the Last Supper, the Lord’s final meal with His disciples. On the liturgical calendar, it’s known as Maundy Thursday. If you’re not familiar with the word Maundy, it is from the Latin mandatum or mendicare meaning, Washing of the Feet. 

When we read the account in the Gospel record, we are seeing a parable of sorts. It a living parable of service; Jesus removed His outer garment, got a bowl of water and a towel, then washed the disciples’ feet. He washed every foot at the table, including those of Judas, who would shortly betray Him. 

He then explained the “parable.” It was to demonstrate how they should treat one another. By the way, there was a promise of blessing for obedience to His command [see John 13:17]. By washing the disciples’ feet, especially those of Judas, Jesus displayed His humility.

Later that evening, Jesus took the bread and the cup and, again, served His disciples. They were celebrating the Passover, but now it was being transformed. We call it an ordinance — an authoritative order or decree; a prescribed religious rite. This ordinance looked forward to His impending death, “…do this in remembrance of Me,”He told them [Luke 22:19]. Washing their feet, and giving His body and blood is a grand picture of His sacrificial love.

Let’s do something today. Let’s remember the sacrifice the Lord made for us. He died for our sins and rose again, giving us hope. Not only that, but He left us a living parable to show us how to live sacrificially in service to others.

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. …  give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.  John 13:14-15,  34-35