Growing up, I thought people were saying, “Monday Thursday,” and it always confused me a bit. But it’s actually Maundy Thursday and you will see church signs today announcing services this evening that bear this name.
Most people don’t realize that the “Last Supper” was actually a Passover Seder Dinner that Jesus celebrated with His disciples.
Remember: they were Jewish. Raised Jewish. And this was Passover week for them. (see Lk. 22:1 and Exodus 12.). The Seder dinner would land on Thursday night. They were not going to miss this special holiday feast with their Master. Jesus even mentioned it while predicting his crucifixion.
Matt. 26:2 You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.
MOMENT TO CATCH
If you didn’t notice before, there is even a passage in Scripture that shows Jesus preparing for that meal:
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘”The Teacher says, My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples'”. The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. Matt. 26:16-19
Most of you know the story from there. The breaking of the bread. The taking of the cup. Washing the disciples feet. And then, the planned betrayal by one of his own: Judas. Basically, on this day Jesus had his last supper, his last Passover celebration, with his disciples and He was trying to show them the symbolism in this ancient ritual was all predicting and pointing to Him. They didn’t get it.
The book of Matthew states:
“…Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying,” Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
After dinner, they headed off to the Mt. of Olives…where He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Matt. 26:30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Thot for today:
Have you ever had to say good-bye to someone you love? It’s not easy. Or, perhaps, you have had to prepare for a dreaded day, and no one around you seemed to understand. Either way, just hear this, Jesus knows what that feels like.
May you go through this day “In Remembrance of Him”.
S.
Matt:26:17-75
Mark 14:12-72
Luke 22:7-65
John 13:1-30
