...Maundy Thursday...the day of love...

“14 When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19 Then he took a loaf of 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.’ 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29 and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’

31 ‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ 33 And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ 34 Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’

35 He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘No, not a thing.’ 36 He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ 38 They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough’” Luke 22.14–38.

Today we go back to the night when Jesus was betrayed, to the moment when he shared his last meal with his disciples. Many of us will be joining with other Christians today in a solemn commemoration of this moment. ‘Maundy Thursday’ – the name comes from the Latin mandatum, the ‘commandment’, which, in John’s gospel, Jesus gave his followers that night: the commandment that they should love one another as he had loved them.

That commandment isn’t mentioned in Luke’s account here, but as we ponder and pray through this story we can’t help being struck by the care and love Jesus had for his friends as they blunder and bluster around, making grand promises they can’t keep while failing to understand the great promises Jesus is making. Just like us, really.

So how can we pray our way into this story and make it not only our own but a means of life and hope as we keep this holy day?

1st, notice the connections within the different parts of the story. It isn’t just a meal, central and vital though that is. It’s also a time for teaching, and modeling, Jesus’ view of God’s kingdom. And it’s also a time for getting ready for the trials and challenges that are about to come.

2nd, remind yourself, now and whenever you come to receive Communion, that this is the sign of God’s covenant and the means of his kingdom. Those are big, important words and we need to roll them around in our minds. God has committed himself to his people and his world through Jesus, like a bridegroom committing himself for ever to his bride. That’s what “covenant” means, and the Communion service is like a wedding reception, celebrating the fact. And God has established, through Jesus, his saving rule over all the world. That’s what “kingdom” means – and if you think it doesn’t look as though God’s rule is actually working, read verses 25–27 again and think about the way God rules. He doesn’t do it by sending in the missiles and drones. He does it by calling servants.

3rd, read slowly through this passage once more and note every time when, as you sit at that table with Jesus and his friends, you can sense a look of love in his eyes, now for this person, now for that, now for all of them, now for you too. Love is shining out of Jesus all the time, in His every action, even in His frustration and exasperation and sadness with them — and with all of us. He was Love turned into flesh. That’s why we are called to love Him in return, and to love one another for His sake.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.