Maundy Thursday 101
Maundy Thursday 101
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the day that Christians commemorate the gathering of Jesus and his disciples for the Last Supper. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum
Maundy Thursday 101
Maundy Thursday 101
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the day that Christians commemorate the gathering of Jesus and his disciples for the Last Supper. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment, in reference to Jesus' teachings about a new commandment. "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (Jn. 13:34-35, NRSV).
What do Christians do on Maundy Thursday?
Because Maundy Thursday is an observance of the The Last Supper, this day’s services often ritualize either the washing of feet (see Jn. 13:1-20) or Holy Communion (see see Matt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-25, Lk. 22:7-23).
Why is it called The Last Supper?
The events of Maundy Thursday are traditionally called The Last Supper or The Lord’s Supper (see Matt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-25, Lk. 22:7-23). Jesus and the disciples gathered in Jerusalem to share together the Feast of Unleavened Bread (or the Passover). Before the meal, Jesus took the role of a servant and washed the feet of his disciples (see Jn. 13:1-20). Then he blessed and broke bread, blessed and shared wine, and reminded the disciples to remember him whenever they broke the bread and shared the cup. This was the last meal that he shared with his followers before his arrest and crucifixion.
What is a foot washing?
A foot washing is a ritual that reminds Christians that before the Lord’s Supper, Jesus took the role of a servant and washed his disciples’ feet (see Jn. 13:1-20). Jesus said to his disciples, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (Jn. 13:14).
The root of this practice comes from the acts of hospitality in the ancient world. Upon entering a home, the host would provide a servant to wash the dusty feet of a traveler. Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet was an act of humility and a lesson that his followers were called to be servants of the world.
What is Holy Communion?
HOLY COMMUNION. A sacred ritual action, a holy meal through which the church remembers God's saving work in creation and covenant, in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church invites and invokes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, celebrating with thanksgiving Christ's continuing presence in the world through the Holy Spirit. We receive a foretaste of and anticip