Readings
Maundy Thursday, March 29, 2018
Maundy Thursday 2018 It seems, in this day and age, to be too much to ask Christians to take one or two hours out of their schedules to attend services during Holy Week. But Holy Week observances are some of the most deeply meaningful services that we have.
This, my friends, is where the rubber hits the highway. This is the beginning of the end for Jesus and the beginning of salvation for all of us.
Things get serious, deadly serious, right here and right now.
There is no going back because this night is written in the stars. This night was destined way back in the Garden of Eden, with the Fall of humanity.
Jesus our master, and our friend, this night transforms us from mere followers to disciples. And to be his disciples we have to abide by his rules, especially his command to “Love one another, as I have loved you.†None of this easy love, like, “Hey, love ya man,†but truly, and deeply caring for the welfare of all people on the planet. This planet, GOD’S planet.
By telling the disciples to love one another, and by showing that love through true servanthood in the washing of their feet, he is preparing them to take over his mission and ministry. He is the master, and yet he sits down low and raises up their feet to cleanse them. This example to them comes down to us from generation to generation of disciples. We are the disciples now.
God’s love is borne out in service to humankind. We are reminded of his sacrifice for each one of us, every one of us, each time we share in the communion meal. It happened in the past but continues to affect us today.
Our salvation is not old, but ever new. It isn’t passé, out of date, or old-fashioned. If you think that then you are mistaken. Yes, the story of the Great Three Days, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Eve are poignant, sad, even sorrowful. But through them, we see the light at the end of the tunnel, the light around the entrance to the tomb. We are about to be reborn, but not yet. There is no joy, until Sunday, until the resurrection. We must slow down and wait. And while we wait it is a good time to consider our own discipleship.
How are you answering the call to be a disciple of Jesus, the Christ? No excuses now. No “I’m too busy.†No “I’m too old.†No “I don’t have the skills†Neither did the original 12. God uses you wherever you are at in life and provides you with all of the skills that you need.
How are you grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus has made for your sins, for you? How are you repaying that gratitude? What will you sacrifice for the one who sacrificed himself, and gave up his life so that you might live?
Is it too much to ask of you? Was it too much to ask Jesus to be rejected, betrayed, denied, arrested, beaten and crucified?
He did so willingly, loving you. Will you love God, and love one another as you have been so dearly loved? Will you be a disciple? Be his disciple?