Maundy Thursday is primarily a Roman Catholic term. "Maundy" refers to washing the feet of poor people and distributing money to them. But that Thursday in the last week before His crucifixion, was about a lot more than washing feet. On that day, Jesus and His disciples had the Last Supper along with His "Upper Room Discourse" (John 13-17).
Jesus's last Passover celebration wasn't with family; it was with His disciples. They met in that upper room (interestingly translated "inn" elsewhere (Luke 2:7)) and shared the celebration of God's salvation based on faith and the shedding of blood. It began with Jesus washing their feet (John 13:1-17). Jesus, as servant king, clearly intended the humble act to serve as a model for the cleansing of the Suffering Servant Messiah who would die for them. The meal ended with the famous "Lord's Supper" which we commemorate today. He urged them to remember, "Take, eat; this is My body" (Matt 26:26) and "Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matt 26:27-28). Jesus's last Passover was aimed at declaring that His broken body and shed blood was "for the forgiveness of sins." "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). (Interesting side note. In his epistle to the church at Corinth, Paul quotes Jesus with those words (1 Cor 11:24-25). Of the four Gospels, only one records those words -- Luke. You know, the guy that Paul quotes as "Scripture" elsewhere (1 Tim 5:18).)
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus made His message clear. He was laying down His life for the forgiveness of sins. He was laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:11,15). Christ's shed blood was for us. So, in Roman Catholic tradition, Maundy Thursday is premised on Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. It is significant because cleansing our souls (versus soles) was His intent all along. If He washes you, you are completely clean (John 13:10). If He does not, you have no share in Him (John 13:8). I guess "Maundy Thursday" isn't a bad name for it.
3 comments:
The two things about the Last Supper I find interesting are the importance of linking Passover to Jesus death and resurrection. That He tied together one of the oldest Jewish celebrations and His upcoming death highlights the importance of so much of Jewish history and practice in foreshadowing Jesus death. I can only think of two things Jesus did or said that have persisted in being part of The Church throughout history. The Lord's Prayer and Communion. That He instituted this celebration of His death and resurrection (in the context of Passover) would seem to indicate how important He believed the events of the next few days were.
An interesting possible note about the upper room. If it were a part of a house, traditionally it would have been the place where a newly wed couple would go to consummate their marriage. The Lord's Supper is a good image of the union of Christ with the Church, as we enter into a New Covenant with Him.
Interesting, I'd never heard that. But another excellent example of the interweaving of so many threads of Jewish history/tradition with the ministry of Jesus.
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