April 18, 2019 (Thursday)
On Thursday of that final week, Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.
As they gathered in the room, preparing for the observance, they discussed who was greatest and would have the most authority once Jesus became king. Jesus told them that his kingdom rewarded service, and the greatest among them is the servant of all. He whispered to Judas, “Do what you’re going to do, now.” Judas left. As they ate the Passover, Jesus rose from the table, removed his garments and clothed himself with a towel. He filled a basin with water, and went around the table where each was reclined, washing the feet of each. When He came to Peter, Jesus had to convince him to allow it. After he had washed the feet of them all, Jesus put on his garment and returned to the table. Then he taught them the meaning of what He had done; they must learn humility if they are to be His followers. This is a new kind of kingdom.
Jesus told them that the new commandment of this kingdom is “Love one another.” It is Christ’s mandate (thus it is called, “Maundy Thursday,” Latin for “mandate”). Let us never forget, Love is mandatory for us.
As they continued, Jesus took the bread and wine cups that were on the table, and instituted the Lord’s Supper. In summary, he said, “From now on, eat the bread and drink from the cup in memory of me, of my body given for you and my blood shed for you.”
After the meal, he said goodbye with a beautiful speech about Heaven, and a promise that the Holy Spirit would be with them as Comforter. Then it was time to go to Gethsemane for prayer. On the way, Jesus taught about the Vine and the Branches, and prayed for all His followers in time to come.
When they arrived at Gethsemane, Jesus agonized in prayer over doing the will of God.
Finally, he told his disciples, “Let’ go. It’s time.”
Judas was waiting with the Temple soldiers. When he saw Jesus, he identified Him with a kiss, fulfilling his part of the awful bargain with the Jewish rulers. Jesus was then arrested and taken back into the city, where those rulers were awaiting Him.