The commandment Jesus gave to His disciples…

Thursday of Holy Week is known as Maundy Thursday. If you remember from the introduction, “Maundy” comes from the Latin word Mandatum which is translated “commandment.” In the context of Holy Week, it refers to the commandment Jesus gave to His disciples while washing their feet:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,

so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.

John 13:34-35

This was one of the most crucial and pivotal days in the history of the church. Every Christian church in the world participates in Holy Communion, some on a weekly basis. This tradition, called the Lord’s Supper, Communion, and other titles was birthed on THIS day. Foot washing is something else that happened in the upper room, and it took on an entirely different dimension and meaning because of when Jesus did it on THIS day.

Paintings worth millions of dollars do the best they can to capture the essence of what happened on THIS day and that famous table. Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples on THIS day.

The events of this day, particularly the Last Supper, continue to be remembered and commemorated in Christian churches around the world. Jesus prayed in the garden, sweat drops of blood, and was betrayed and arrested, all on THIS day.

Dear Lord, what a powerful command in John 13:34-35: “Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” .
To think that whether or not I am a disciple of Jesus is based on my love for others is sobering and something that I will take deep into my heart.

Teach me to love like You do, Lord, and help me to forgive like You forgive. I do love You, Lord. Teach me to show my love for You by my actions toward others.

What a powerful command, but what an appropriate reminder THIS week, as I remember how much You forgave me and loved me. I am ahvays amazed at Your loving kindness toward me. I pray for more and more of Your heart, in Jesus’ name.