Thursday - Read today:
Pages 156-159 - The Way
- 40 Days of Reflection (Daily Devotion Guide)
- 40 Days of Reflection (Daily Devotion Guide)
Maundy Thursday
“A new commandment I
give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love
one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have
love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love
one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have
love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
“arose from supper, and
laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his
waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’
feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”(John
13:4-5)
laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his
waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’
feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”(John
13:4-5)
“He took bread, and
when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, ‘This is my
body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.’ 20 Likewise, he took the
cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is
poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19-20)
when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, ‘This is my
body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.’ 20 Likewise, he took the
cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is
poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19-20)
On Thursday of Holy
Week, Christians around the world gather to remember Jesus’ Last Supper with
his disciples. The day is called Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday. It is likely
that Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which, as you might guess, can
be translated as mandate or commandment. On this night, just before his arrest,
Jesus would give his disciples three mandates: love one another, serve one
another, and remember him in the breaking of the bread.
Week, Christians around the world gather to remember Jesus’ Last Supper with
his disciples. The day is called Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday. It is likely
that Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which, as you might guess, can
be translated as mandate or commandment. On this night, just before his arrest,
Jesus would give his disciples three mandates: love one another, serve one
another, and remember him in the breaking of the bread.
Love and serve one another: Sitting at the table, Jesus said to his gathered
disciples, “I give you a new commandment. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another.” What does it mean to love as Jesus loved? While Jesus
undoubtedly felt a brotherly love for his disciples that was not the love he
demanded of his disciples here. He demanded agape—not
feelings, but selfless acts done to help, benefit, or care for another. Earlier
in John 13 we read, “He now showed them the full extent of his love” (John
13:1). Then he proceeded to assume the role of the lowest household servant by
washing his disciples’ feet.
disciples, “I give you a new commandment. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another.” What does it mean to love as Jesus loved? While Jesus
undoubtedly felt a brotherly love for his disciples that was not the love he
demanded of his disciples here. He demanded agape—not
feelings, but selfless acts done to help, benefit, or care for another. Earlier
in John 13 we read, “He now showed them the full extent of his love” (John
13:1). Then he proceeded to assume the role of the lowest household servant by
washing his disciples’ feet.
After washing their
feet, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done
to you.” Loving by serving is meant to define the Christian life. Jesus said
this would be a sign to the world that we are his followers. We live selflessly
and sacrificially towards others. In this we become leaven and salt. We let our
light shine so that, through us, the world glimpses God’s kingdom and what we
were meant to be as human beings.
feet, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done
to you.” Loving by serving is meant to define the Christian life. Jesus said
this would be a sign to the world that we are his followers. We live selflessly
and sacrificially towards others. In this we become leaven and salt. We let our
light shine so that, through us, the world glimpses God’s kingdom and what we
were meant to be as human beings.
Sunday a physician told
me how a man had come to her office the previous week. He said he was not a
patient, but his friend was. His friend needed a $1,700 procedure that was not
covered by insurance, and the man knew his friend could not afford it. The man
said, “I’m here to pay for the procedure, but you cannot tell him who did this.
Please simply say that the expenses have been covered.” The physician told me, “In
all my years of practice I’ve never had anyone do something like this.” In this
one act, the benefactor had demonstrated both what it means to love and what it
means to serve.
me how a man had come to her office the previous week. He said he was not a
patient, but his friend was. His friend needed a $1,700 procedure that was not
covered by insurance, and the man knew his friend could not afford it. The man
said, “I’m here to pay for the procedure, but you cannot tell him who did this.
Please simply say that the expenses have been covered.” The physician told me, “In
all my years of practice I’ve never had anyone do something like this.” In this
one act, the benefactor had demonstrated both what it means to love and what it
means to serve.
The final command Jesus
gave was to remember him in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the
cup. While we do this in Holy Communion, I’ve always felt Jesus intended
something more. Every meal in every Jewish home included bread and wine. I
wonder if he did not intend that every time his followers gave thanks at
mealtime, they would remember him. This is what we do when we pause to say
grace at meals. In this simple act, we remember him who gave his live for us.
gave was to remember him in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the
cup. While we do this in Holy Communion, I’ve always felt Jesus intended
something more. Every meal in every Jewish home included bread and wine. I
wonder if he did not intend that every time his followers gave thanks at
mealtime, they would remember him. This is what we do when we pause to say
grace at meals. In this simple act, we remember him who gave his live for us.
Lord, help me to remember your love and sacrifice
every day of my life. Give the grace to love and serve others without a desire
for recognition or repayment. Amen.
every day of my life. Give the grace to love and serve others without a desire
for recognition or repayment. Amen.
Read today:
Pages 184-188 - The Way
- 40 Days of Reflection (Daily Devotion Guide)
- 40 Days of Reflection (Daily Devotion Guide)
The Great Commission
“But the eleven
disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When
they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them
and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on
earth. 19 Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all
things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age.’ Amen”(Matthew 28:16-20)
disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When
they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them
and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on
earth. 19 Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all
things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age.’ Amen”(Matthew 28:16-20)
Anglican scholar,
pastor, and writer R. T. France, in his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew,
notes that its final verses, often called the Great Commission, are the climax
and fulfillment of the entire Gospel.[Discussed in R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (the New
International Commentary on the New Testament; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007)]
pastor, and writer R. T. France, in his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew,
notes that its final verses, often called the Great Commission, are the climax
and fulfillment of the entire Gospel.[Discussed in R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (the New
International Commentary on the New Testament; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007)]
At the beginning of the
Gospel Jesus is referred to as “Immanuel,” God with us; at the end of the
Gospel Jesus promises to be with us always, to the end of the age. At Jesus’
birth the wise men, Gentiles, Come to pay homage; after his resurrection Jesus
sends his disciples into all the nations. During Jesus’ temptation the devil
offers him the kingdoms of the world—not just their wealth, but by implication
their power; at the end he declares that all authority has been given to him on
earth and in heaven (Matthew 28:18). At the beginning of his ministry he
invites twelve disciples to follow him; now he sends them out to the whole
world to invite others to follow him. Throughout the Gospels Jesus has taught
his followers about the kingdom, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount; now
they must teach others to obey everything he has told them.
Gospel Jesus is referred to as “Immanuel,” God with us; at the end of the
Gospel Jesus promises to be with us always, to the end of the age. At Jesus’
birth the wise men, Gentiles, Come to pay homage; after his resurrection Jesus
sends his disciples into all the nations. During Jesus’ temptation the devil
offers him the kingdoms of the world—not just their wealth, but by implication
their power; at the end he declares that all authority has been given to him on
earth and in heaven (Matthew 28:18). At the beginning of his ministry he
invites twelve disciples to follow him; now he sends them out to the whole
world to invite others to follow him. Throughout the Gospels Jesus has taught
his followers about the kingdom, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount; now
they must teach others to obey everything he has told them.
Jesus’ Great Commission
calls all who follow Jesus to invite others to do the same. But we are honest,
most of us are a little nervous about talking to others about Jesus. We love
the quote, often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, that we should preach
the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. [Although scholars
disagree whether Saint Francis actually said these words, the concept of living
out the Gospel in one’s daily life was certainly central to his message.]
We’re happy to show the gospel to others, but often we pray that we won’t have
to “use words.”
calls all who follow Jesus to invite others to do the same. But we are honest,
most of us are a little nervous about talking to others about Jesus. We love
the quote, often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, that we should preach
the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. [Although scholars
disagree whether Saint Francis actually said these words, the concept of living
out the Gospel in one’s daily life was certainly central to his message.]
We’re happy to show the gospel to others, but often we pray that we won’t have
to “use words.”
Yet the Kingdom of God
on earth only expands as people who are Christ followers—people like you and me—share
their story with others.
on earth only expands as people who are Christ followers—people like you and me—share
their story with others.
I became a Christ
follower at age fourteen because a man named Harold Thorson was going door to
door inviting people to church. I became a Christ follower because a girl named
LaVon invited me youth group and Sunday school. I became a Christ follower
because a pastor and a youth pastor told me what Jesus had taught his disciples
and invited me to obey. All these people showed me the gospel, and they knew
they also had to use words.
follower at age fourteen because a man named Harold Thorson was going door to
door inviting people to church. I became a Christ follower because a girl named
LaVon invited me youth group and Sunday school. I became a Christ follower
because a pastor and a youth pastor told me what Jesus had taught his disciples
and invited me to obey. All these people showed me the gospel, and they knew
they also had to use words.
There are people in
your life who are not yet Christ followers. Some would consider the Christian
faith if you were to tell them what your faith in Jesus means to you. Make a
list of people God may be calling you to share your faith with. Pray for them.
Invite them to worship with you. Over a cup of coffee, tell them the story of
how you came to faith, or the difference Christ has made in your daily life.
your life who are not yet Christ followers. Some would consider the Christian
faith if you were to tell them what your faith in Jesus means to you. Make a
list of people God may be calling you to share your faith with. Pray for them.
Invite them to worship with you. Over a cup of coffee, tell them the story of
how you came to faith, or the difference Christ has made in your daily life.
Last week a woman came
to me after worship, saying it was her first Sunday at our church. She had felt
lost for some time. Some good friends had loved her, and listened to her, and
gently shared with her the difference Christ had made in their lives. The
friends had described how they had found him at our church. And they had
encouraged her, not just once but multiple times, to visit the church.
to me after worship, saying it was her first Sunday at our church. She had felt
lost for some time. Some good friends had loved her, and listened to her, and
gently shared with her the difference Christ had made in their lives. The
friends had described how they had found him at our church. And they had
encouraged her, not just once but multiple times, to visit the church.
The woman looked at me
and said, “Today I feel that I finally found what I’ve been looking for. I’m so
grateful to my friends who encouraged me to visit the church!” Her friends were
fulfilling the Great Commission, and in the process they were being used by God
to change this woman’s life.
and said, “Today I feel that I finally found what I’ve been looking for. I’m so
grateful to my friends who encouraged me to visit the church!” Her friends were
fulfilling the Great Commission, and in the process they were being used by God
to change this woman’s life.
Who are the people God
wants you to reach out to in his name?
Lord, I wish to bewants you to reach out to in his name?
your disciple. Help me to follow you faithfully. Use me, I pray, to share with
my friends your story, and to invite and encourage him/her to join me as I
follow you. Amen.
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