As Easter approaches, let us remember the events leading up to it. Today is known as Maundy Thursday.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Merriam-Webster gives us the following History and Etymology for the word Maundy:
Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum command, order; from the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, “a new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another” (John 13:34 Authorized Version) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maundy
What is the significance of Maundy Thursday?
On the Thursday preceding His crucifixion, Jesus was in Jerusalem with His disciples for the Passover. That Thursday was the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread and they were going to eat the Passover together.
Following are some of the significant events that occurred during and right after the supper:
The Last Supper – Luke 22:7-16
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”
They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
Jesus washes the Disciples’ Feet – John 13:1-20
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. vs 5
When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and resumed His place, He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. vs 12-17
One will betray Jesus – John – 13:21-30
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” vs 21
Mandatum – Maundy: Jesus gives a new command – John 31-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” vs 34-35
Jesus foretells Peter’s Denial – John 36-38
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied Me three times.” vs 38
Jesus speaks to His Disciples – John 14-16
Let not your hearts be trouble. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. vs 14:1-3
Jesus Prays – John 17
When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You, since You have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” vs 1-3
Jesus in the Garden – Luke 22:39-46
And He came out and went as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. And when He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. vs 39-44
Jesus Betrayed and Arrested – John: 18:1-11
Now Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with His disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to the, “I Am He.” Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I Am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. vs 2-6
So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. vs 12