Maundy Thursday // Luke 22:19

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day we remember Jesus’ last supper when he said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, ESV). The word, Maundy, comes from the Latin word that we know as commandment. Jesus told His followers to celebrate the Last Supper to remember Him. He also washed the disciples’ feet and told them to serve others in His name. Maundy Thursday, therefore, is about our commitment to share and serve in the sacrifice of Jesus.

The Last Supper was actually the Passover meal. It was customary for the youngest around the table to ask the question, “Why is this night unlike any other?” The answer came in the retelling of the story of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus changed the dynamic of the Last Supper when He said that the bread is now His body and the wine is now His blood, all proclaiming Christ’s sacrifice to usher in salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, when we receive these elements, we are receiving Jesus to nourish and fuel us for living. That transformed the Passover meal from a commemoration of the Hebrews’ delivery from slavery in Egypt to sin and death’s enslavement of us. That truly made it a night unlike any other.

The story of that fateful night continues with some pretty awful things for the Lord. That isn’t to contradict what took place at the meal, but to remind us that even when we go through hell, thanks to Jesus, we don’t travel alone. And here’s the kicker — you need not fear the worst the world can throw at you, because Jesus conquered it.

I hope you take time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for you and the promise to be with you always. He wants you to eat and remember. You are welcome to come join us at Hope Church this evening at 7pm when we will share in this holy meal together.