The fifth day of Resurrection week or Passion week is Maundy Thursday. The meaning likely comes from the Latin mandatum which means “command.” In English we know ‘mandate.’ What was this command? It is a new one, ³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35) Before Jesus gave the new command, He had washed His disciples’ feet. (John 13:5-17) He gave them an example of how they ought to be servants to one another and the world. He told them that if they are servants they will be blessed

On Thursday Jesus celebrated His last Passover on earth. During celebrating the angel of death passing over the people of Israel because of the sacrificial lamb, He instituted communion, the Lords Supper. His disciples were to remember His broken body and His shed blood until he returned again. Before leaving they sang a hymn.

They left and went to the Mt. of Olives. The disciples ended up taking a nap and Jesus was fervently communicating with His Father. He discussed with the Father the possibility of forgiving those He loved some other way besides dying on a Roman cross. His final statement: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV)

On Maundy Thursday, reflect on Jesus. His love and His desire to be a servant. Loving and serving us enough to die as the suffering servant Messiah. While seeing Jesus, think about how we can be loving servants, following the lead of Jesus.