Maundy Thursday Devo

Remember Jesus, Practice His Humility

John 13:1–20 ESV

Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day on the church calendar commemorating the Last Supper.

Often, depending upon the tradition, there is a service where communion is received in remembrance and in obedience to Christ’s teaching.

We take the bread - symbolizing the body of Christ which bore our sins on the tree, in order that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. Our gratitude for Christ’s broken body causes us to live a live of joyful, thankful, obedience.

We take the cup, usually grape juice, sometimes wine, to symbolize the shed blood of Jesus that was poured out on our behalf, because there must be blood for the remission or forgiveness of sin.

Thus Jesus becomes our propitiation, He appeases or satisfies the righteous requirements through His death that we can not do for ourselves.

John writes that, “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself.”

In the moment, where, if I am going to be honest, I - and maybe some of you - would be thinking about my death, wanting to enjoy my last moments - maybe getting in one final item on my bucket list - Jesus gives us another way of looking at the things that really matter.

Jesus’ bucket list at this time included a self-less act of humility: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Self-less humility. Not self-serving or self-seeking. Humility that considers others more highly than ones self. it is serving in a way that is often contrary to the worlds example. It is not using power or influence for self gain - it is using it for the gain, for the good of others.

True humility instructs and leaves us awestruck. It confronts our false humility and false bravado and challenges us to investigate the contours of our heart in a way that is uncomfortable.

When confronted with Jesus’ example of humility, we can feel unworthy - see Peter’s response - because it is still all about us - and not all about Jesus.

Isn’t that what Maundy Thursday is really all about. Not just remembering, not just practicing Humility - Its about coming face to face with our desperate need to not just follow Jesus - its about our desperate need to live like Jesus - and how, apart from Him, His example, and His Indwelling Spirit, we might fall woefully short.

After washing the disciples feet, after confronting Judas, and after Judas leaves to meet the religious leaders. Jesus gives His followers a new command: Love One Another! And then in truly Jesus fashion, He raises the bar: Just as I have loved you… love one another....

And the example we have - is just what Jesus lived out - walking in self-less humility with one another where the interest and needs of others replaces our selfish and self-centered desires. Then when we get that right - we won’t have to tell people we are followers of Jesus - they will know it!

So today, remember, celebrate, practice, Love

Remember Jesus

Celebrate His example

Practice humility

Love - Everybody - Always

Including One Another