Maundy Thursday
Mar 20th, 2008 by John
I’m new at this. And I think a lot of my “low church” evangelical friends are, too. Maundy Thursday? What is it?
We’re going to have a Maundy Thursday service this evening at Fellowship Covenant. So, to prepare I had to do a little research. Here are some findings…
“Maundy” comes from the Old Latin Mande or mandatum and refers to Jesus’ words in John 13:34 “A new commandment (mandatum) I give to you: Love one another as I have loved you.” Maundy Thursday is sometimes called “Holy Thursday” or “Sheer Thursday.” Sheer for brightness and light.
Maundy Thursday commemorates four events in the final hours of Jesus’ life: 1) the washing of the disciples’ feet, 2) the giving of Lord’s Supper/Eucharist, 3) the agony of Gethsemane, and 4) the betrayal by Judas Iscariot.
The highlight of these events of Maundy Thursday is different than most “Good Friday” services that focus almost entirely on the cross and Jesus’ sayings from the cross. Yet, these two days together stress the depths of both Jesus’ agony and his love.
Tonight at Fellowship Covenant I have asked Shelby who is 11 years old to wash the feet of Ray who is 86 years old. And Ray will wash Shelby’s feet, too. As they do, each will verbally bless the other as a vital person in our small fellowship. One young, one old; one female, one male; both children of the Father and followers of Jesus. Shelby and Ray will represent all of us.
May you enter into the sufferings of Jesus over these few holy days even in anticipation of “He is not here. He has risen.”
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I like the idea of young and old washing one another’s feet. The president of our university washed a students feet and it was amazing to see his servant heart.
Danny,
That president is a truly servant-leader. Thanks for sharing that.
John
I remember a foot washing service when I was 15. I washed the feet of an 86 year old man who had been a farmer most of his life. His feet were calloused, gnarled and frankly gross. Like most 15yr old boys this was the last thing in the world I wanted to do. 22 years later I still remember the humbling feeling of helping him take his socks and shoes off and then washing his feet and gently drying them. After the birth of my children I can’t recall holding anything else so gently and tenderly. It had a great impact on me even if, at the time, I did not approach it with a willing heart.
I think what you are doing tonight, from your description, is right on! It’s a beautiful symbol which, hopefully, will become more than a symbol (it’s very Eucharistic isn’t it?). Even those of us who have grown up in a more liturgical setting are new at this, John, and we’re barely scratching at the surface.
I posted some of my own thoughts today about Maundy Thursday on my blog.
Jeff,
Thanks much for sharing that memory. Wow.
Wes,
Thanks for the encouragement, bro. We are all on a learning curve with God, right?
[...] of Atonement from Marc Driscoll 2. Mikhail Gorbachev admits he is a Christian 3. A little info on Maundy Thursday for us non-ritualistic types 4. Words as idols 5. An excellent post on the pronouns we use for [...]
I have stumbled upon some very wise blogs through some of your commenters here John, you have attracted a wonderful readership here!
Stephanie,
The blogging community of Jesus-followers is truly a gift. I am glad you are making new friends. I appreciate your visits to *Jesus the Radical Pastor*
Coming from tradition that always celebrated Maundy Thursday, it has been a difficult adjustment the last several years to be a part of a church that does not. The foot washing service is so powerful. I have been working to have it introduced at our church. God willing, we will have one next year.
Rosita,
I hope you do get into your church. We felt such a sweet presence of the Spirit as Ray and Shelby did the footwashing on behalf of us all.