Maundy Thursday. The day before Jesus died on the cross. So many significant things happened on this day. Jesus spent His last Passover with His disciples, in which He broke bread signifying His body broken for us and poured wine signifying His blood poured out to cover our sins once and for all. This Last Supper represented what Jesus would do in dying for us in the most excruciating way. He wanted us to remember what had been done to cover our sins – the ultimate sacrifice which would grant us eternal life in Heaven with Him someday.
At the Last Supper, Jesus also displayed great humility when He washed His disciples’ feet. Tenderly washing away all the dirt and grime, just as He would wash away our sins by His death on the cross. Jesus calls us to serve others too and to love each other as He does. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 ESV)
Finally, on the night before the cross, Jesus took His disciples to keep watch and pray with Him at the Garden of Gethsemane. He pleaded with God: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV) He knew the agony that was to come, yet He was willing to go through with it for you, and for me, and for everyone in the world because of His great love for us. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
As we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Sunday this Easter, let’s rejoice in the miracle of God’s love for us in sending His son to die in our place so that we can live for eternity in Heaven with Him. There is no greater gift of grace than the gift of Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) Thank you, Jesus, for what you did for us! In You, we are set free, and just as You conquered death, so will we! Amen!
… whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16