MAUNDY
THURSDAY!
John
13:3-5
3
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he
was come from God, and went to God;
4
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and
girded himself.
5
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples'
feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
John
13:34
34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved
you, that ye also love one another.
Today
is Maundy Thursday.
The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word mandatum which in
English becomes mandate or command. Assuming that Jesus died on Friday, and
assuming that one could cram “three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40) into
the time between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, the Last Supper is placed
on Thursday!
Although
the timing is problematic, the principle is clear. We are to serve one
another lovingly. This is demonstrated by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. It
is further made clear by Peter’s protest. Peter understood that Jesus was
humiliating himself by taking the position of a servant and resisted this
self-demotion by his master. Perhaps Peter was actually resisting the pressure
to become humble. It is well documented that the disciples argued over which of
them should be the greatest (Mark 9:34).
Today
is a day to remember Jesus’ servant heart by performing selfless acts of
service. Let us be aware of opportunities to be helpful to the helpless and to
serve others. Let us forget our own position and stoop to a lower level. It is
a “mandatum” or commandment that we love one another.
Dear
Lord, let me remember others today while forgetting myself. Let me obey your
command and follow your example to love one another. AMEN
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