Maundy Thursday
In the Christian church, the Thursday before Easter is typically called Maundy Thursday. The name is derived from a Latin verb which means "commandment." It is the day before Jesus was crucified and as we read the accounts in the Bible, there was a lot going on. The four gospels aren't necessarily written in chronological order, and Luke's version is probably the closest to a "timeline", as he was a doctor and therefore written in scientific fashion. That said, Jesus was busy on His last day before His mission to go to the Cross.
What is amazing to me is that Jesus knows how the day, the night and the morning are going to play out, yet spends His time leading, teaching and preparing to observe the Passover meal. Our True servant leader! The disciples and more specifically, the Apostles (including Judas) don't fully grasp the gravity of the next 24 hours and beyond, even though Jesus has prophesied to them on three separate occasions. They have no idea about the violent, excruciatingly brutal way that their friend, their Lord would be treated in the next few hours. Jesus did.
I've often had the thought that if I were Jesus, and knew my fate which would soon arrive, would I follow through? It makes me glad that I can't tell the future. And yet, the Hero of the story does know, and is still on His steadfast journey to the cross, knowing the agony and punishment which still stood in His path. Wow!
It is interesting to note that the Jewish "day" begins at sunset and goes to the following sunset, for the 24 hour period. During His last day, Jesus chose to spend time with His friends, the Apostles, for companionship, but also for teaching. He gave them some straight talk about how they will be hated, just as He is now, but to have hope, that He will send the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them at just the right time. He gave them a new commandment, "that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34)
In one of the greatest acts of humility and servanthood, Jesus, The Light of the World, strips down as a servant and washes the disciples' feet. He then shares the traditional Passover meal with them and teaches them (us) the "Lord's Supper."
Afterward, they went to the Garden where He prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers. Shortly after, Judas shows up with a "detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches and weapons." (John 18:3)(Cowards!-comment mine)
While this is the raw, hard to look at part of His purpose for our lives, I'll close by focusing on the word Love. Jesus' mission from the Father was borne of the Father's immeasurable Love for us. God is Love, therefore Jesus is Love. It is Love that Jesus personified on earth, it is Love that gave Him purpose, it is Love that gave Him the strength to follow through and it is Love that promises everlasting life with Him. We are commanded to love and it's rewards are endless when we share in His suffering, which has as it's foundation, Love.
May you, wherever you are, in this moment know that Jesus loves you, no matter your past, no matter your present condition or circumstances. He offers grace and most importantly Love to all who seek Him. True, faithful servant leadership, not only spoken in His teaching, but lived out in His life.