The Day Before
Thursday, April 1
The Day Before
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.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19-20
Today is known as Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with His disciples. Most particularly, the Passover meal when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples demonstrating extraordinary humility.
On that day, Jesus had his last meal with his friends and followers before he was killed. As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of the Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. During this Last Supper, Jesus established the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, leaving His followers with instructions to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of bread and wine.
Should we observe Maundy Thursday? The Bible neither commands nor forbids it. It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It is a good thing to remember the Lord’s example of humility.
Prayer for today: Loving Savior, on this day many years ago, You told us to “love one another” and We know that is the heart of His gift, His sacrifice for us. Guide us to the fullness of your love and life. Amen.