Thursday of Passion Week is one of the most powerful and tender days in all of Scripture. Known as Maundy Thursday, it’s the day Jesus gathered with His disciples, washed their feet, instituted the Lord’s Supper, and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
It’s a day filled with humility, love, and holy resolve—as Jesus prepared for the cross by first preparing His followers.
A Final Meal with Eternal Meaning
Luke 22:14–20 (ESV)
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
In an upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples—but He transformed it into something new. As they ate the traditional meal, He took the bread and the cup and gave them new meaning.
This wasn’t just a meal—it was the institution of the Lord’s Supper, a sign of the New Covenant. The bread symbolized His body, the wine His blood, soon to be poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
We observe this ordinance not as a re-sacrificing of Jesus, but as a memorial and proclamation of the gospel. It is a sacred act of remembrance and anticipation—we remember His death, and we proclaim it until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).
The Servant King Washes Feet
John 13:3–5 (ESV)
“Jesus… rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.”
In a shocking display of humility, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who would soon betray Him.
This act wasn’t just about cleanliness—it was about servanthood. Jesus said:
John 13:14–15 (ESV)
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example…”
We recognize this moment as a call to servant-hearted leadership. Jesus, the King of kings, stooped to serve—and He calls His followers to do the same.
A New Commandment
John 13:34–35 (ESV)
“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.”
This is where we get the name Maundy Thursday—derived from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” Jesus gave His disciples (and us) a new command: to love one another as He has loved us.
That’s not just a suggestion. It’s the mark of discipleship.
We see this gospel-centered love—sacrificial, Christlike love—as the evidence that we belong to Him.
Agony and Victory
After the meal, Jesus led His disciples to Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. There, in the quiet of the night, He prayed with deep sorrow. Sermon is available for this passage here.
Matthew 26:38–39 (ESV)
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death…’ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’”
Here we see Jesus’ humanity and divinity on full display. He felt the weight of the coming cross—but He chose obedience. This was the moment of full surrender to The Father’s will. This is where Jesus resolves to the drink the whole of the cup of God’s Wrath for those who would believe in Him. Here – he submits to the Father’s will wholly and completely.
Isn’t this such a moment to hold close? It reminds us that our salvation came at great cost, and Jesus went to the cross willingly, out of love for the Father and love for us.
The Betrayal and Arrest
As He rose from prayer, Jesus was met by a crowd—led by Judas.
Luke 22:47–48 (ESV)
“While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas… drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’”
Jesus was arrested, abandoned by His followers, and taken to the high priest for trial.
Thursday ends in darkness. But it ends with purpose. The cross is now in full view.
What Thursday Teaches Us
- Jesus is our Servant King—humble, holy, and full of love.
- The Lord’s Supper points us to the cross and reminds us of His finished work. His body broken and blood shed for us.
- We’re called to love like Jesus, even when it’s hard and undeserved.
- Surrender to God’s will is the path of obedience, at any cost.
Reflection
Thursday was a day of deep love and deep pain. Jesus gave His followers a meal, a model, and a mission. And then, He gave Himself—to the will of the Father and set his face to the cross.
We remember the Lord’s Supper as a sacred time of reflection. But even more, we remember the One who gave everything, and we live to follow Him in obedience, love, and surrender.
The cross is near. The tomb is waiting – but it will only be borrowed. Grace is at work and He is in control.