We continue to move through the days of Holy Week. Today, we come to what the church has identified as “Maundy Thursday.” The Maundy in Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum which means commandment.
The word is taken from a phrase Jesus uttered during the Passover meal: “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another” (John 13:34).
The Passover meal was filled with unexpected surprises and incredible teaching moments. Let’s talk about three important lessons.
Thursday Towels
For the sandal-wearing disciples, washing feet was a common occurrence. It was proper hospitality to offer guests to your home a basin of water for their feet.Guests were expected to wash their own feet unless you owned slaves. Even Jewish servants were exempted from washing feet.
Edersheim says, “There is no instance in either Jewish , Greek, or Roman sources of a superior washing the feet of an inferior.”
When Peter protested Jesus washing his feet, Jesus said that while Peter did not understand what was happening, one day it would all make sense for him (John 13:13-17).
Introspection
Later in the evening, Jesus explained to the disciples that one of them would betray him. The disciples would understand what a betrayal was, but understanding how Jesus could be betrayed was probably beyond their imagination.
One by one, the disciples asked, “Is it I, Lord? (Matthew 26:22)” The Scripture says they were deeply grieved and were prompted to ask.
Isn’t it interesting that they didn’t say, “It won’t be me, Lord?”
The only requirement for betrayal is that the person be close enough to the individual to actually betray. Enemies can’t betray. Indifferent acquaintances would not be motivated. It takes a friend to betray a friend.
While only one betrayed Jesus directly, all but one abandoned him. Only John stayed at the cross during the crucifixion.
There is a significant truth contained in this passage. When the disciples each asked, “Is it I, Lord?” Jesus could have answered, “Yes.”
At one time or another, each of them would betray the trust that Jesus placed in each of them.
We must not lose sight of the truth. The answer is also, “Yes,” for each of us.
Blood & Forgiveness
During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine that reminded the faithful of the sacrifice of the Lamb for forgiveness and freedom. Jesus applied the images to what he was about to do at Calvary. Listen to Jesus’ words.
And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus tells two important details in this verse. He explains that his blood begins a new covenant. One doesn’t enter into a new contract unless the old one is no longer valid. The essence of Jesus’ sacrifice was to secure our forgiveness.
Maundy certainly describes this Thursday.