Maundy Thursday 2024
Commemorating the Last Supper.
It was the final gathering and meal Jesus shared with His disciples. He humbly washed their feet and spent one last time teaching and encouraging them. But those who were with Him in the upper room soon abandoned Him in the hour of His greatest need.
Maundy is derived from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning “mandate or command” referring to the the command Jesus gave His disciples at that last meal:
A new command I give you: 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 13:34-35
So if we said “Maundy Thursday” in modern English, it would be “Love Command Thursday”. Isn’t that the best?! It’s a powerful depiction of how we are called to live our lives and a fitting response to the love He demonstrated for us on the cross.
Come taste the Bread of Life, broken for sinners. Drink from the cup of His promise made sure. Feast at His table as sons and as daughters. Grace overflowing is yours evermore.
The photo below was taken during one of our visits to Joshua Tree National Park in 2013. As the sun set behind the shadowy hills, casting a glow over the iconic silhouette of a Joshua tree, I was struck by a mix of somber darkness and serenity that enveloped us. That’s how I often feel about Maundy Thursday – a solemn acknowledgment of the impending darkness, yet a profound peace in the certainty of the story’s redemptive conclusion.
I pray these words and messages will help you prepare your heart and soul for this Holy Week and His resurrection!! Lenten blessings to you.