Maundy Thursday…what does that mean? I conducted a short informal survey to figure out how many people knew why the Thursday before Easter was called “Maundy Thursday.” Not surprising, most didn’t have a clue. One even thought for a long time it was called “Monday-Thursday” to represent the first four days of Holy Week. And his name is Jack. (lol)
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Maundy Thursday got its name from an anthem sung in Roman Catholic churches on that day: "Mandatum novum do vobis.” The words translate as “a new commandment I give [to] you,” and are from words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after he washed their feet at the Last Supper:”
John 13:34–35 (ESV) 34 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. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
So, Maundy is a from the Latin word for “command,” and where we get our word mandate from. The Thursday before Easter reminds us of the new command to love others “just as” Jesus has loved us.
What a command…
How would you describe the way Jesus has loved you?
My heart is flooded with emotion and my mind filled with past memories when I think of the way that Jesus has loved me. He died for me, and He pursued me. He came to seek and to save the lost—of which I was so lost. It cost Him everything.
We’ll be commemorating His sacrifice tomorrow evening at 6:30pm in our Good Friday service. I hope you will come and join us as we ponder that first Good Friday.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack