Maundy Thursday: What’s the Meaning?

Reflecting on Thursday

The disciples were hanging out together, and as the day went on, they understood preparations needed to be made for the Passover Meal. It was no surprise when Jesus instructed Peter and John to “go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” (Luke 22:7)

He let them know how to find the location, and they left and made the preparations, just as he had requested.

Soon after, Jesus and the other disciples joined Peter and John in a large upstairs room in someone’s home. They sat on the floor, perhaps on some pillows, around the low table that had been set. They reclined, perhaps leaned their elbows on the table, and began listening to what Jesus had to share with them that night. The talked. They listened. They ate. Laughed. Cried. And He washed their feet.

Although they had experienced the Passover Meal many times before,  the disciples felt something unique on this particular night. They couldn’t quite put their finger on it, but something was different with the words their Master spoke. The tempo he was speaking. The calm, yet passionate demeanor He had as He shared. And what exactly did these words mean? What was He saying, “in remembrance of me”,  “my blood, poured out for you”?

Peter, certain that He was tracking with the Lord, spoke up during the conversation and let Jesus know that He was “ready to go with you to prison and to death”. Oh, how Peter’s heart must have broken when His Master responded, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

No, Lord. Never. Peter, one who was quick to speak and prompt to put himself into action; he couldn’t imagine denying His Lord. Again, more questions than answers flooded Peter’s mind. What did Jesus mean when He spoke these words?

Maundy Thursday

Today, Thursday, is what we commonly call Maundy Thursday. It is a day we remember as the Last Supper, the last meal the disciples had with Jesus prior to His death. We remember the foot washing, a time when Jesus showed the disciples how to serve others. Soon after the meal, Jesus would go to the Mount of Olives and pour His heart out to His Father in anguish. Judas would betray Him with a kiss. Jesus would be taken away by the guards. Peter would deny knowing Him. And Friday, the day of His impending death would press down upon them all.

This is a generally a reflective day for us, as Christians. And rightly so. History shows us that our Savior was preparing for His death. I hope we can take time today, to pause and ponder those truths. And in the midst of that, I also hope you will consider this piece of insight.

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning “command”. I guess I wasn’t sure what the definition of Maundy was, but I thought it would have something to do with being somber or sad. But “command”? I found the word filled with hope because of what the “command” is referencing. Maundy Thursday was named such in reference to Jesus’ new commandment to love one another. Isn’t that cool?

Although the focus on Maundy Thursday is frequently the Foot Washing, Last Supper, Communion, Betrayal, Garden of Gethsemane, Maundy Thursday is named after Jesus’ command, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34)

I pray today, that as you take time to reflect upon the happenings of all that Maundy Thursday entails, you also remember, Jesus’ command to His disciples (us)… “love one another”. As we head into this Easter Weekend, may we love one another in a way that honors the One who loves us so deeply.

Scripture from Luke 22

Luke 22:14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (We see here that Jesus has been looking forward to this time of koinonia, fellowship, visiting, with his disciples. He had been anticipating this special meal together. It was the traditional Passover Meal…which turns into the Last Supper, right before their very eyes.) 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper (see here, this “communion” was all part of the Seder, the Passover Meal. He broke the bread, gave thanks. They ate some more and then) he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”   Words in italics are the authors words.

Misty Cramer is a best-selling author & national speaker. Her book, “The Every Day God, 40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments”, quickly made its way to Amazon’s #1 New Release and Best Seller lists in multiple categories. In this book, she authentically shares her own story to remind us all that God has a specific plan, even in the midst of life’s messes. She has been married to Todd for 40 years and has five adult sons. While they enjoy their time as “empty nesters” in rural Michigan, they also love visits from their sons, four daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters. Misty sends out a monthly devotion as part of her newsletter, and she’d love to send it along to you. The link to subscribe to the devotion, as well as the link to Misty’s book can be found below:

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