What is Maundy Thursday?

The holy scriptures have well documented the last week of Jesus' earthly life, which was the week of Passover in the Jewish faith, when hundreds of thousands of Jewish people would make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It begins with Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate. He was riding a young donkey. therefore fulfilling the prophesy in Zechariah 9: 9-11. During that week, Jesus spoke to his followers in the temple, confronted the Pharisees, and overturned the tables of those who were exchanging money.

On Thursday of that week, Jesus held a Passover feast with his inner circle of disciples, who became the 12 apostles. The Last Supper is recounted in all four gospels, Matthew 26: 17-30, Mark 14: 17-26, Luke 22: 14-20, and most extensively in the entirety of John chapter 13, which is where we find the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. In the ancient Levant, when people walked on dirt roads and wore sandals, it was a courtesy to wash one's feet before entering a home, and a courtesy for a host to offer water for foot washing. Actually washing someone else's feet was the work of a servant, and indicated lower status. Jesus washing anyone else's feet is a powerful sign of humility and service.

14 So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you. 16 Truly, truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

The Last Supper is remembered as the last time Jesus addressed all of his closest followers before his arrest and crucifixion. It was the origin of the rite of communion, the breaking of the bread and drinking of wine as Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." At First Christian Church, we share communion every Sunday in remembrance of Jesus, as he commanded. However, the commemoration date is called Maundy Thursday, as Maundy is a word that means foot washing. Recreating the act of foot washing is a reminder of Jesus' example of humility and service. His tells us that no one is above any other, and that we are all commanded to serve one another in humility and love.

This was a recurring theme in Jesus' teaching, when He said, "for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great” and "So the last shall be first, and the first, last” and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Yet his disciples were always jockeying to be higher in the hierarchy. Peter in particular took offense that Jesus would lower himself to wash their feet, but Jesus sets him straight. Everyone who follows Him, no matter his status, has the obligation to serve others in order to serve God. And even further, we must allow others the opportunity to serve.

The Maundy Thursday service shines a special light on the importance of the Last Supper. It includes a foot washing rite as the church elders rinse the feet of anyone who wants to participate. Even though our feet stay relatively clean in the modern world, the purpose of this symbolic act is to recall Jesus' humble example of service and rededicate ourselves to the service of others.

This year's Maundy Thursday service is on April second, beginning at six. You are invited to a light supper in the church fellowship hall at five. If you participate in the foot washing, it will help to wear shoes that are easy to remove, although no one is obligated to take part. Everyone is invited!

Also, Easter Sunday (April 5th) will begin with a sunrise service at 8 AM, followed by a community breakfast, and Easter services at 10:30. It will be a glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ- we hope you will join us!