Why Maundy Thursday

What is Maundy Thursday all about? Is it just for Catholics? Let’s look at where Holy Thursday comes from in the Bible, and what it means for us. Let’s examine John 13:1-17, 31b-35?

Passover

John 13:1-2 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

The history of Maundy Thursday begins in the Jewish Passover, which finds its roots in the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). Passover was the 15th day of the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Jesus kept it before his crucifixion. However, instead of mandating a continued observance of the Passover lamb, he became our Passover Lamb (John 1:29-36, Revelation 7:16-17).

During the first centuries some Christians observed the original date, but it was a different week day each year. Others found more meaning in observing the weekdays which would culminate in a resurrection Sunday. In teaching respect for different food choices in Romans 14, Paul also taught a non-judgmental attitude and freedom in different approaches to worship days.

Ancient counting was inclusive, meaning that today is day one, whereas modern counting is exclusive, meaning that tomorrow is day one. So when we read accounts of three days and three nights, the ancients would have easily recognized it being relevant to a Thursday night through Sunday morning scenario. Their days began at sunset.

The Christian Passover observance, still called Passover in most languages, but Easter in English, celebrates something new, the death AND resurrection of the Lamb. There was only an imperceptible hint of resurrection in the wave sheaf offering, on the Sunday during the Passover week. Easter changes Passover into a resurrection celebration.

Foot Washing

John 13:3-17 Jesus … got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him… “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Foot washing was an ancient custom of hospitality when roads were dusty and guests wore sandals. Many Christians keep Jesus’ words literally to “do as I have done” and literally wash each other’s feet. Others keep the intent of his words in service to each other, love in action. Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin mandatum, meaning mandate or commandment.

Maundy Thursday reminds us of the new Christian mandate to love one another. The washing of feet exemplifies love as an action. Jesus’ example also reminds us of the kind of leadership that he expects in his Church, that the greatest among us ought to be the servants of all.

The Paschal Triduum

John 13:31b-35 “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The three days, Thursday night to Sunday sunrise became known as the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days). Worship practices including the Great Fast (of Good Friday and Holy Saturday), the Great Silence (where non-essential talk is avoided) and the Great Prayer (a time of continued congregational prayer). The Triduum begins on the evening which remembers the original Passover, Maundy Thursday and culminates in Easter Sunday (Orthodox Pascha or Protestant Resurrection Sunday).

Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist (thanksgiving). It also remembers Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s three denials and everyone else’s desertion of Jesus. This is a very important communion with its dual purpose in remembering the death of the Lamb of God, Jesus.

So Maundy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper, Jesus' love for us, his example of servant leadership, and our mandate to love our neighbour, not just in an emotional feeling, but in deed.

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Readings:

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 The original Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread pictured prophetically the Lamb of God and eating the Bread of Life.

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 The cup of salvation is foretold and a death that freed us from our chains.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 This “is” my body and this cup “is” the new covenant in my blood. It does not say “transubstantiated” as Catholics teach, or “symbolizes” as some Protestants teach, but “is.” Rather than overthink what that means, we call it a sacrament, a spiritual blessing associated with a physical rite, a mystery. It is an ordinance, because Jesus said, “this do.” It’s also a memorial, because Jesus said, “this do in remembrance of me.”

John 13:1-17, 31-35 in Rhyme

‘Twas the night before Passover
Jesus’ hour had come moreover
He loved his own unto the end
He knew Judas wasn’t His friend

Jesus got up and washed their feet
Understand why I’ve done this feat
You should also this deed repeat
And thus you’ll wash each other’s feet

I’ll be with you a little while
While I endure a gruesome trial
A new command I give to you
Love each other as I’ve loved you

What is Christian Love?

What is the sign that we are Jesus’ true disciples? Let’s look at what Jesus said distinguishes his disciples and see why this old command is new in Jesus. Let’s see what Jesus said about glory and love in John 13:31-35.

John 13:31-32 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says that, in this context “glorified” means that Jesus will be made renowned, rendered illustrious. The Greek root for glory is doxa from which we get doxology, a short hymn praising God. Praising God glorifies Him. Jesus deserves true glory because He gave His life for us.

John 13:33 “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’”

Jesus addressed the disciples as “little children,” an unusually fond term. Jesus was going to ascend to the Father, a place where they could not now go, but would follow him after. In verse 36, Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

How is this new? It is new because we are to love “as I [Jesus] have loved you.” We live a life exemplified by foot-washing and taking up our crosses. John wrote, “let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18).

Those who only love their own nationality, race, or gender have a limited Old Testament love. New love is for all. The love from heaven is a testimony to where God is. It is the only practical solution to the world’s problems. We Christians are given a love like Jesus.

No matter what values we accumulate in life, Christian love is new because we love as Jesus loved. It is the ultimate value.

John 13:31-35; 1 John 3:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

What is Love?

Intro

What is the sign that we are Jesus’ true disciples? Is it that we keep the Sabbath, the test command? Is it that we just believe and do no good works? Is it that we obey the so-called successor of Peter? Is it that we speak in tongues? Is it that we dress plain and submit to the Gemeinde rules? Is it that we follow the ancient way? Is that that we obey all the church rules made up by mere men? Is it that we follow Wesley’s three rules? Is it that we be immersed for baptism? Is it that we follow the middle way or something else?

Purpose

Let’s look at what Jesus said distinguishes his disciples and see why this old command is new in Jesus.

Plan

Let’s see what Jesus said about glory and love in John 13:31-35.

John 13:31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Glorified (vs 31-32)

What does it mean that the Son of Man is glorified? Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says that, in this context it means that Jesus will be made renowned, rendered illustrious. The death of Jesus on a cross has caused the dignity and worth of God the Father and Son to be revealed and acknowledged. The Greek root for glory is doxa from which we get the word doxology, meaning a short hymn praising God. When we praise God, we glorify him. Jesus was glorified by doing something remarkable for the whole world, dying on the cross for all our sins. World leaders glorify themselves by taking from their people for themselves. Jesus deserves true glory by giving his life for us.

Little Children (vs 33)

Jesus addresses the disciples as “little children.” It takes a humble person to see themselves spiritually as we really are, “little children.” Our human vanity fights against such a description. In reality, Jesus is using an unusually fond term realizing that he will be glorified soon, but the disciples face a time without him. Jesus was to face the cross and enter glory alone. He was going to the grave for a time, where they could not now join him. He was also going to ascend to the Father, a place where they could not now go, but would follow him after. In verse 36, Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

New Love (vs 34-35)

The new command that Jesus gives is to be obeyed how? Jesus did not use the familiar division of the Ten Commandments into the last 5 or 6. Though all 613 Old Testament commands are relevant, that is old. How is this new? First, he told them to love one another “AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.” That “as” includes a life of service to others as exemplified earlier in the foot washing and taking up our crosses too. Studying the Gospels teaches us how Jesus put love into action (1 John 3:18). Second, it is new in scope. Those who only love their own race, gender, nationality are still under an old covenant love. New love is for all.

Application

Does keeping the “right” rules show where God’s people are? Love is evidence of who we are. In the context of betrayal and foot washing is a new command. Long-time Christians know that being betrayed is part of the Christian experience. Yet in this is also footwashing, where we serve each other in love. Betrayal and denial also exist outside the church. But, real pure love from heaven can only be found in one place as testimony to where God is. Jesus asks us to consider an alternative to worldly revenge: love? What solution have our unending squabbles and wars provided? None. We Christians are called to love like Jesus in the only practical solution to this world’s problems, love.

Outro

No matter what values we accumulate in life, new love as Jesus loved, is the ultimate value.

Why Maundy Thursday

Intro

What is Maundy Thursday all about?

Purpose

Let’s look at Holy Thursday and see what it means.

Plan

Let’s examine John 13:1-17, 31b-35 and the events that happened on that Thursday before Christ died?

John 13:1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

31b “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1. Passover

The history of Maundy Thursday begins in the Jewish Passover, which finds its roots in the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). Passover was the 15th day of the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Jesus kept it before his crucifixion. However, instead of mandating a continued observance of the Passover lamb, he became our Passover Lamb (John 1:29-36, Revelation 7:16-17). During the first centuries some Christians observed the original date, but it was a different week day each year. Others found more meaning in observing the weekdays which would culminate in a resurrection Sunday. In teaching respect for different food choices in Romans 14, Paul also taught a non-judgmental attitude and freedom in different approaches to worship days.

2. Counting Days

Ancient counting was inclusive, meaning that today is day one, whereas modern counting is exclusive, meaning that tomorrow is day one. So when we read accounts of three days and three nights, the ancients would have easily recognized it being relevant to a Thursday night through Sunday morning scenario. Days began at sunset. The Christian Passover observance, called Easter in modern English, also celebrated something new, the resurrection of the Lamb. There was no such Old Testament celebration, except perhaps an imperceptible hint of resurrection in the wave sheaf offering, on the Sunday during the Passover week. Continuing to observe a calendar day would have meant observing the resurrection on a different weekday each year. Thus a change was wanted.

3. Triduum

The three days became known as the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days). Worship practices including the Great Fast (of Good Friday and Holy Saturday), the Great Silence (where non-essential talk is avoided) and the Great Prayer (a time of continued congregational prayer). The Triduum begins on the evening which remembers the original Passover, Maundy Thursday and culminates in Easter Sunday (Orthodox Pascha or Protestant Resurrection Sunday). Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist (thanksgiving). It also remembers Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s three denials and everyone else’s desertion of Jesus. This is a very important communion with its dual purpose in honoring Passover and a new Christian observance.

4. Foot Washing

Foot washing was an ancient custom of hospitality when roads were dusty and guests wore sandals. Many Christians honor Jesus’ words to “do as I have done” and literally wash each other’s feet. Others honor the intent of his words in service to each other, love in action. Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin mandatum, meaning mandate or commandment. It reminds us of the new mandate to love one another. The washing of feet exemplifies love as not just an emotion, but an action. Jesus’ example also reminds us of the kind of leadership that he expects in his Church, that the greatest among us ought to be the servant of all. Holy Thursday is a somber reminder.

Outro

So Maundy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper, Jesus love for us, his example of servant leadership, and that love of neighbor is not just an emotional feeling, but something that involves action.

How can love be the answer

Intro

What can begin to solve the problems of the world? What answer do Christians have that is unique?

Goal 

Let us understand that love is the only practical and realistic answer.

Sermon Plan 

We will look at the easiest and at the same time most difficult of Jesus' teachings. We will see love in the context of betrayal, denial and foot washing. We will discuss living in denial of denial and how love can possibly be the answer.

Easiest and most difficult

What proves where God’s people are? Is it a keeping of the “right” rules of church doctrine? In John 13:31-35 Jesus discussed one of the most important of his teachings: love one another. It is evidence of who we are. It is one of the easiest doctrines to understand and most difficult to practice. None of us loves perfectly, yet we can and do love. It is also very difficult at times. The introduction to this topic is the act of washing one another’s feet. I have witnessed churches that do this literally, but never lift a finger to help their neighbors and other churches that do not literally wash feet but obey what it portrays. Jesus would not have asked us to do the impossible. It is possible and Jesus taught that love is the most important commandment.

Betrayal, Denial, Footwashing and Love

In the context of Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial and Jesus’ footwashing is the new command to love one another (John 13:31-35). Churches are filled with imperfect humanity and the weaknesses and mistakes that come with the territory. Every church will likely experience some form of betrayal especially of its leaders. Pastors know that being verbally crucified is part of their job description. Some people will also deny that Christ is in the membership of a local church. Yet in the midst of all this is also footwashing, where people serve each other in love. We Christians are a strange mixture of denial, betrayal and love. That’s the way it has always been. Betrayal and denial also exist outside the church. But, real pure love from heaven can only be found in one place as testimony to where God is.

Living in denial of denial

When someone betrays our trust in them of granting them citizenship by terrorizing and bombing us, we tend to act in denial that such things will happen. When someone turns their back on us denying our human dignity and right to live peaceful lives, we act in denial that such denials will exist. Perhaps it is time we face facts. In this world we will have troubles (John 16:33). How can we combat such horror, by perpetrating even greater injustices? By lashing out in anger? By bombing countries far and wide in an effort to eradicate things which will not disappear until Christ returns? Perhaps that is why Jesus said that instead of trying to erase the unerasable, or denying the undeniable, or perpetuating the betrayal of one another, we should consider an alternative answer, love (John 13:31-35).

How can love be the answer

When things go terribly wrong in this world and terrorists strike or nutty foreign leaders threaten, vengeance and acts of aggression seem to be the answer. Jesus’ instruction to love our enemies seems terribly naive and impractical. Yet, in the midst of being betrayed by close friends who denied even knowing him, and being brutally murdered for daring to preach good news of a better world, his practical solution was forgiveness and love. Let’s take the Israelis and Palestinians. What solution have their unending rounds of retaliation provided? None. They have brought no peaceful solution. Military and business warfare have not brought about peace or solved economic troubles. Love and mutual respect are not the rules of Wall Street. Yet, Christians are called to live as examples of the only practical solution to this world’s problems, love (John 13:31-35).

Outro/Take Home 

Love can seem like the easiest command but it is at the same time most difficult of Jesus' teachings. In the midst of betrayal and denial, Jesus set the example by washing the disciples' feet. Love is the only practical answer to the world's major problems and it starts right here with us.