Maundy Thursday

 

On this Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) of Holy Week, I am reminded of Jesus’ humble act of service on the night He was betrayed. Before calling His disciples to love one another as He loved them, Jesus - God in flesh - demonstrated an act of humble service by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-14). This was one of many examples set by Jesus that teach what it means to live the Christian life.

On the next day (Good Friday), Jesus gave His life on the cross as a ransom sacrifice for many (Mark 10:45). On the cross, God showed His love for us in that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  By virtue of Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection (Easter Sunday) – based on His amazing love and ultimate sacrifice – so long as we have breath, there remains an everlasting hope, daily comfort and a surpassing peace to all who, in genuine repentance, turn from sin  and turn to Him in complete trust and faith.

The following written prayer is one that Christians, from around the world in the Anglican tradition, pray on Maundy Thursday:

“Almighty and everlasting God, who, of Your tender love towards mankind, has sent Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”