Jesus gives us two very hard things today. He models for us how are are to serve. And not just generic service, but service that is hard. Service that is dehumanizing. More than holding open a door, but deeply hard service. Then He tells us how folks will know that we are HIs – that we love. To service and to love. Those are hard. Those are difficult. We can’t do them on our own, but it is only the Spirit working through us. Today, we have our marching orders. We know what we are to do. We are to serve and to love. We can only do this through the gift of His Holy Spirit.

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Good morning, and welcome to Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. For those less familiar with Maundy Thursday, especially those in the Wesleyan, Presbyterian, Catholic, or Episcopalian traditions, it’s a day set aside to remember Jesus’ actions before his betrayal, particularly the institution of Holy Communion. The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “command,” referring to the new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples. Today, I want to share with you the text from John 13:1-17 and 31-35, which encapsulates the essence of Maundy Thursday.

This passage encapsulates the heart of Maundy Thursday. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled himself to serve his disciples, washing their feet as a symbol of selfless love and servant leadership. He then gave them a new commandment: to love one another as he had loved them. This love, Jesus said, would be the distinguishing mark of his disciples.

The command to love one another is profound in its simplicity yet challenging in its execution. Jesus exemplified this love through his actions, and he calls us to do the same. It’s not just about superficial acts of kindness but about a deep, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for us.

Loving others in this way requires a surrender of our pride, our selfish desires, and our comfort. It means serving others, even when it’s difficult or humbling. It means loving others, even when they are unlovable or different from us. It’s a radical call to embody the love of Christ in every aspect of our lives.

As we reflect on the events of Maundy Thursday, let us be challenged to live out this new commandment in our lives. Let us seek to love others as Christ has loved us, knowing that in doing so, we bear witness to our identity as followers of Jesus. May we be transformed by his love and grace, and may we show that love to the world around us.

Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow, we’ll observe Good Friday, reflecting on the ultimate act of love displayed on the cross. I invite you to join us for our worship service as we continue to journey through Holy Week. Have a blessed day, and I look forward to our time together tomorrow.