Thursday was one of the most important of the Holy Week and packed with meaning of passover and the life of Jesus. Remembering Jesus through the Lord’s Supper and His serving those closest to Him. It was when Jesus was arrested and what took place in the Garden.
Known as Maundy Thursday which relates to the latin word for speaking of the instruction Jesus gave His disciples during the last supper. It is also called Holy Thursday.
Matthew 26:26-29 NLT
As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
The first communion taught us of the significance of the body and blood of Jesus given as a sacrifice for us. He was literally broken symbolized in the broken bread. The cup reminds us of the blood Jesus poured out for our sins. It further reminds us of Old Testament truth and the need for a sacrifice that forgives sin. The difference is that Jesus’ death and blood aren’t annual event as it once was.
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper or communion in remembrance of Jesus. His sacrifice is a gift and is enough for our need.
Another of the important aspects of the meal is what Jesus did at the end as an act of serving while reminding His followers that we are to follow His example.
John 13:4-5,14-17 NLT
So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
It is our turn to serve and wash the feet of others. Be the servant!
Moving forward Jesus went to the Garden with His three closest followers, Peter, James and John. There are so many things about that night that grab our attention. They couldn’t stay awake. Peter cut off the ear of one of the men coming to arrest Jesus. Then on to the trial of Jesus.
Here are a couple things that stand to me.
Matthew 26:39,42 NLT
He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” … Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Not my will, Jesus said, but your will be done. Jesus was always following the plan and direction of the Father. He was willing, yet Jesus literately sweat drops of blood. This was difficult because the Father had to turn His back on His son. Jesus was born for this, to give His life as a sacrifice for sin, yours and mine.
We must look at this day of Easter, in Holy Week, knowing that the gift of Jesus’ life changes us. Spend time this week with Jesus. Celebrate Him and the reality of Easter as well as resurrection.
He was and is willing to be who God called Him to be.
Matthew 20:28 NLT
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Invite someone to go to church with you this Sunday. Prepare yourself for remembering Jesus and celebrating the resurrection. Join us at The Community Fellowship this Sunday at our future location (700 Commerce Court in Martinsville) for Resurrection celebration at 10:10. We will also have breakfast at 9 and an Eggstraviganza right after the worship service.
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