Maundy Thursday: Commandment of Love

Let's start by addressing your first question: What is Maundy Thursday? The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." This comes from John 13:34, when Jesus says, "I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must also love each other."

John 13:12-15 in the Common English Bible (CEB) reads:

After he [Jesus] washed the disciples' feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, "Do you know what I've done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you speak correctly, because I am. If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other's feet. I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.

This scene occurs right before Jesus' final meal. In these verses, Jesus lays down his robes and washes his disciples' feet. Washing the dusty feet of a guest was the job of a slave--not the host. Jesus humbles himself and calls us to do the same.

The heart of the story is this: Jesus cleanses us. He lays down his life for us. He transforms us. We obey the call of Jesus by following his example: We lay down our lives through self-giving, loving service.

I love how the Maundy Thursday service in The Book of Common Prayer ends:

The Lord Jesus, after he had supped with his disciples and had washed their feet, said to them, "Do you know what I, your Lord and Master, have done to you? I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done."

Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.

Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

By this shall the world know that you are my disciples: That you have love for one another.

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