Considering the Day Before Good Friday: Maundy Thursday
Today, the day before Good Friday, is known as Holy, or Maundy Thursday. On the day before Christ’s cruel crucifixion, it is worth considering crucial events and pivotal words spoken by Jesus on this day.
During the ‘Last Supper,” the final meal with his beloved disciples, Jesus bent low to wash their feet, giving them an example of servant leadership.
The word maundy is derived from a Latin word, which means commandment and refers to the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples after washing their feet.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34 NKJV)
Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet was one of deep humility. In that culture, the task of washing feet was relegated to the lowliest of servants. Jesus illustrated “Servant Leadership.”
While Jesus’ example at the Last Supper is vital, for me, the most heart-rending aspect of Maundy Thursday occurred several hours later in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus agonized in prayer, crying out to God:
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done. (Mark 14:36)
Theologian John Piper calls this the ‘greatest prayer in the world…’[i] I agree.
A few years ago, Ron and I had the privilege of traveling to Israel. The group with which we traveled was permitted 45 minutes in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our leader, following a brief devotional, encouraged us to find a place alone and pray.
The memory is etched on my soul!
Sitting on a bench among the grove of olive trees, senses overwhelmed with the immensity of this assignment, I asked: “God, how does one pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?”
I spent the first minutes of prayer apologizing for my humanness. Remembering Jesus’ prayer of utter submission, I realized most often I want my will—rather than God’s will—to be done.
Then, in a rare moment of deep spiritual knowing, I felt the invitation of the Divine Spirit speak to my human spirit. “I know. I love you anyway. Just sit with me and BE?”
For the remainder of our time, I sat still, soaking in God’s love. I marveled at the willingness of Jesus to set aside his desire and experience the agony of the following day, known as “Good Friday.” In the Garden, my belief in the Resurrection deepened. Appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus intensified. When our group’s time was up, I exited with a soul refreshed, restored.
In closing today, I’m asking God to give you a sense of soul refreshment and restoration during these final days of Lent.
