Last night during life group, our leader gave the definition of “Maunday Thursday,” (This is the day before Good Friday in this Easter Week.) He asked us all if we knew the definition. We did not. We listened as he explained what he had recently learned himself, that this word (mandatum -a mandate) is derived from the very instruction of what Jesus Christ said to His disciples during the Last Supper. Love one another. Love one another.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34
The washing of feet is often performed in many churches on this night, also known in many areas as “Holy Thursday.” The washing of feet is symbolic of one thing. “You are more important than I am.” “I will serve you.” “I see you, your significance, your importance….I will humbly put others before myself…..my selfish self.” “Let me serve you.”
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
The remembrance of The Last Supper with the ordinance of communion for the saints is also a part of the service. These instructions Jesus gave out to His closest followers, the bread being symbolic of the body and the wine symbolic of His shed blood.
While our tables is being set with the “good” dishes, the Easter menu is being planned, the house is being cleaned, the clothing is being thought out, and the ingredients for the special recipes are being purchased, won’t you sit and ponder with your bible in your lap about this holy week. Turn to Luke 22. Sit and read about God the Son who left heaven to come to earth on a Magnificent Mission to rescue you, me, us, ALL, from our sin…..from this sin-filled fallen world. Ponder what our Jesus went through to get to the place of “throwing out the life saver” for us. Will we grab on, be pulled in and rescued? He went through torture, so much pain and agony to free us from our sin. Forgiveness,mercy, grace, sonship and eternal life with a future home in heaven with Him. HALLELUJAH! Upon leaving heaven, He knew His task was enormous, but because of LOVE, He would SAVE US. If you have not grabbed hold of the lifesaver Jesus has thrown out to you, don’t hesitate any longer and grab on today, in total surrender to the Savior.
I remember going to services throughout “holy week.” as a new believer. I listened and took in the setting, the words and the actions the evening of Maunday Thursday. I leaned in and began to understand the significance of what Jesus went through during the “Good Friday” service and was sickened by the cruel details of it all. He would do that for me?
Then finally the Easter service CELEBRATION—that nothing, even death, could conquer our Jesus, the ONE TRUE GOD. Nothing. God the Father planned it all from the beginning of time, to reach down, save us and journey with us through the rest of this life. HE IS ALIVE!
HAPPY EASTER
