Thursday of Holy Week is called 'Maundy Thursday.' The term 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin mandatum. While eating the Passover Meal with his disciples, Jesus said, 'I give you a new command (mandate), that you love one another as I have loved you.'
The central focus of Maundy Thursday is Jesus washing his disciples' feet. During the Passover meal, Jesus gets up from the table, takes off his robe, grabs the basin and begins to scrub the dust and dirt from their feet.
Jesus offers two reasons as to why he is doing this demeaning task. In John 13v15 he reminds his followers to follow his example. 'I have set an example for you that you should do as I have done for you.' Jesus wants his followers to be marked by service, humble self-sacrificial service. What strikes me about Jesus' actions is that he is also taking time to wash Judas' feet. A few days earlier Judas went to the Chief Priests in order to set the trap to betray Jesus. Jesus' example compels us humbly serve, even those who are actively working against Christians!
The other reason Jesus gives for this shocking act of service, is found in John 13v7. 'Later you will understand what I am doing.' Jesus' cryptic comment actually points towards the Cross -as the foot washing foreshadows his crucifixion. Notice the parallels...
Foot washing Cross
Humbling - slave work Crucifixion - a slave's death
Water poured out Blood poured out
Wipes dirt from feet Wipes sin from our lives
Dirt transferred from feet to his towel Our sin is transferred to Jesus
Jesus was in his underwear Clothes divided while on the cross
Done to both friends and Judas Died for the sins of us all
Maundy Thursday points us towards Jesus... His life and his sacrifice for our sins.
1 comment:
Thank you for your blog this week - I've often been curious what "Maundy" meant in "Maundy Thursday". I read this with my kids so then I was able to explain it to my kids too.
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