Maundy is derived from the Latin word mandatum, which means command. Other words like mandate and mandatory also come from this word. In the context of Holy Week, Jesus would spend His last meal on earth with His disciples. The things that happened on that first Maundy Thursday, showed His love for them. He demonstrated by washing the feet of those closest to Him. This act of service showed how much He loved them. It also showed His willingness to act as a servant. Washing feet was a necessary duty, usually carried on by servants of a household. It was a humbling experience, which Jesus was doing out of love and kindness. There was no expectation of anything in return.

On that first Maundy Thursday, it was like a constant barrage of important events, leading up to the end of Jesus’ life. The Lord’s Supper was instituted in an upper room reserved for them alone. Through the Passover meal, Jesus showed His men that the final sacrifice was about to be made through His body and blood. His would be the blood of the unblemished lamb that would take away the sin of the world. He gave His followers another commandment to follow”

John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”

He foretold His betrayal by His own disciple, Judas. He spoke of Peter’s betrayal. These words seemed inconceivable, but they would soon come to pass. Later, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane with a request for a way out of His coming doom. His tears of blood showed His human anxiety and deep sorrow. Judas led a group of armed men to the garden. He betrayed his leader by giving Him a kiss. A struggle ensued, but Jesus took the moment to heal a man who was injured in the scuffle. At that point, He also willingly surrendered and set the wheels in motion for a kangaroo court to put Him on trial and convict Him without a shred of evidence.

The sinless Son of God went uncomplaining forth so that we would inherit eternal life in heaven. What love is this?

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY. YOUR LOVE FOR US IS UNCONDITIONAL. HELP US SHOW THE SAME KIND OF LOVE TO OTHERS.