Some New Things - Maundy Thursday 2023

The parade was over and the palms cleaned up. The singing and joyous celebrations were over. Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus’ death, would be the last supper. Jesus would do some new things, including a new commandment. John 13: 34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” To show this love, Jesus got down on his knees, poured water into a bowl, and humbly washed the disciples' feet. In those days, the host would instruct servants to wash the visitor’s feet. 

Jesus talked about the sacrament of the blood and wine for the first time. He shared bread and wine as his body and blood, given for the sins of many. He was letting the world know we need His spiritual grace as much as we need physical food. 1 Corinthians 11: 24, “...and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” 

Jesus told the disciples of a new gift, the Holy Spirit which meant although He would not be beside them, He would be inside them. John 14: 16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever....he lives with you and will be in you.” Jesus gave a new commandment to love one another. John 13: 34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." 

Jesus told his disciples that peace was the last gift He would give them. John 14: 27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Trust Him as you prepare your hearts for Easter!