Remembering Maundy Thursday

Why do Christians remember Maundy Thursday or as some call it "Holy Thursday" and what is the significance of this day? It is the Thursday before Easter, observed in the Christian Church as a commemoration Eucharist (which is the service, ceremony, or sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed).

Maundy is derived from the Latin word for "command," and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you."

John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Why should we remember this day?

Because it reminds us of Jesus’ new mandate not only for his disciples but also for us.

There's are four significant events that take place on Maundy Thursday:

1) The Last Supper - Matthew 26:17-35; Luke 22:7-38

2) The washing of the Apostle's feet by Jesus - John 13:1-17

3) Christ's agony and prayer in Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46

4) The arrest of Jesus - Luke 22:47-53; Matthew 26:47-56

I hope you'll take some time today or tomorrow to read through the various Bible passages as we reflect on all that Maundy Thursday represents.

My prayer is that each of our hearts will be transformed as we read through the various events that took place on this Holy Thursday.

Heavenly Father,

I humbly come before you asking for you to change my heart so that I will bring honor to your holy name through my thoughts, words, and actions. Father, I know I fall short of this and I am grateful for your Word and your convictions. I want to learn from the disciples mistakes and I want to do and be better than I am today. Father, I can only do this with your help because I am not strong enough to withstand the devils schemes. Isaiah 41:10 says you will strengthen me and help me and I thank you for continuously walking by my side showing me where I fall short of honoring you. Help me to walk the narrow path and show me how to welcome the interruptions in my life so that you can bless those people. Father forgive me of all my sins that I am aware of and those that I am not. I humbly thank you for pouring your grace and mercy on me daily Father as I am not deserving of it. I ask you to be with all those who are being persecuted for their faith in you, put your hand of protection on them, comfort those who are grieving, allow them to feel your presence and strength. Father, we ask for your healing touch on those dealing with illnesses, strengthen their bodies and spirits. Father you are all knowing and we are grateful for your guidance in our lives because we'd be lost without you. In Jesus precious and holy name, Amen!

Proverbs 6:20-23

My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the correction of discipline are the way to life.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime