John 19:30
Stop.
As you breathe in, say “You are present”. As you breathe out, say “I am ready”. Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30
Reflect.
Today the church recognizes Maundy Thursday. I feel like I say this every time I talk about this day, but it’s worth repeating: Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means commandment. The command referred to is Jesus’ new commandment to his disciples that they “love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)
In John’s gospel, which we’re reading this year, he gives this commandment in the context of a special meal with his disciples. However, that meal isn’t the institution of the Lord’s Supper. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus pivots from the Passover meal into this new celebration where he tells his disciples to eat the bread that is his body and drink the wine that is the new covenant in his blood. For this reason, we often celebrate First Communion on Maundy Thursday, which is exactly what Easter will do for our fourth graders tonight.
In John, Jesus does no such thing. Instead, he washes his disciples’ feet in an act of humble service. This is Jesus’ way of modeling what it means to love each other. He takes the lowest position, one often held by a household servant with no status, to embody the way the disciples should live out their love for each other. And so, whether in communion or humility, Jesus shows us that the commandment to love means giving of ourselves for the sake of others.
This is also true in the reading we’ll hear in worship today. As we continue through the story of Christ’s passion, we hear his last words from the cross. He declares “it is finished”. Finally, he fully embodies the truth of God’s love for us. He gives fully of himself so that we can fully belong to God. The commandment to love one another, as modeled by Jesus, shows us that we focus not on our own lives and desires, but on the needs of others and the love of God.
Whether in humble service, in receiving the sacrament of communion, or in devotion to God’s call, we answer our Savior’s commandment to live in love now and always.
Pray.
Jesus, you grant us the gift of your presence in wine and bread. In washing your disciples’ feet, you show us true service. At the cross, you fully embody God’s love for us. Make these truths real in our hearts tonight as we remember this day and all it means for us. Amen.
Carry On.
Come to Maundy Thursday worship, whether in person or online. Make sure you pray for the young people receiving their first communion today. And finally, be intentional about your love for others in service, compassion, and patience.