Thursday
This is one of the most significant days of Passion week.The day when Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. This one known as the last supper. During this meal Jesus established the sacred communion. He washed the feet of his disciples and gave the commandment to love one another as he loved them. This scene in the upper room was intimate with deep emotion. Jesus knew his hour had come and in a few hours he would be arrested, tried and sentenced to death.
Rather than focusing on himself and what he was to suffer, he attended his disciples. He wanted to prepare them for what was coming and give them a lasting memory of his love and sacrifice.The gospel of John tells us: Jesus having loved his own who were in the world. Loved them to the end.
The first act Jesus performed was shocking to them. He rose and took off his outer robe and wrapped a towel around his waist. He began to wash their feet. A task usually performed by the lowest servant of the house. John 13:6 Peter not believing his eyes protested saying, Lord are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, you don’t realize now what I’m doing but later will have understanding. Still Peter said no you shall never wash my feet. But Jesus answered unless I wash you, you have no part with me. John 13:7-8.
This act of washing feet was more than a demonstration of humanity. It was a symbol of cleansing. Jesus was showing them. To be part of his kingdom they needed to not just have their feet washed but their hearts, as well. A foreshadowing of the cleansing of asking Jesus into your. This would come through his death and resurrection. John 13:14 As he washed feet Jesus said, now that I your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also shall wash one another’s feet. He called them to follow his example of servanthood. To love and serve others in humility.
After washing their feet Jesus returned to the table and took bread. He gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples. Saying this is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19 . Then he took the cup saying, thus cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19. With this Jesus introduced the new covenant with communion. Christians have done this for centuries as a reminder of his sacrifice. A symbol of the new covenant between God and humanity. This night is a time filled with both sorrow and hope. A reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love. What he was willing to do for our redemption. In breaking bread and sharing the cup we see he is willing to give everything for our sake. Who would pay a price for my redemption? Who else would bear a cross that’s meant for me? Who else conquered death and holds the key?
This solemn night is also a night of betrayal.As he sat with his disciples he revealed the one who would betray him. Each disciple one by one asked is it me Lord? Judas who had made arrangements to betray him asked the same question. Jesus’ response showed his broken heart. The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. Matthew 26:23. Despite what Judas was about to do Jesus offered the bread a final gesture of grace and friendship.
As we reflect on this day remember Jesus’ love is a serving love. A sacrificing love, that extends grace. Even in the face of betrayal. A love that calls us to go and do the same.To love one another as he loved us.The command of this day, live a life selfless with sacrificial love.