And getting later…

The Thursday of Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday ~ Maundy meaning 'commandment'.

On that night, Jesus would eat the last supper with the disciples. During the meal Jesus took the bread, broke it and gave it to them; and a bit later, he offered them the wine. 'This is my body given for you and this is my blood shed for you; take, eat, and drink for the forgiveness of your sins.' This is the centerpiece of worship whenever we gather at the table to likewise receive Jesus' body, blood, and forgiveness. The people that Jesus celebrated that first Eucharist were the very same ones who would betray, deny, and abandon him. Not so different from today…

But Holy Communion is not the only element that we acknowledge from that final meal. There was also the foot-washing.

I am well aware that most of us have no desire to have our feet washed in public or by the pastor. While it was an aspect of daily life once, now it seems more of an intrusion onto our person that most of us prefer to avoid. And do!

Gathered with his friends, Jesus took off his outer garments and stepped into the role of the lowest servant in the household, washing the feet of the others. The new commandment Jesus gave that night was to, 'love one another as I have loved you.' His point was clear, because they had been loved and served, they were to love and serve others.

Friends, the commandment is for the followers of Jesus the Christ in all times and place ~ as we have been loved and served, we are to love and serve others.

Pastor Leah