As we stand on the threshold of Good Friday, we find ourselves poised to observe Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow, as we prepare to commemorate Maundy Thursday, let us embark on a journey to explore what this sacred day means for us. In particular, we will focus on one key lesson: humility. Maundy Thursday holds within its embrace the poignant image of "God on His Knees" on the night before His crucifixion, as Jesus humbly washed the feet of His disciples. Join us as we delve deeper into the heart of Maundy Thursday, seeking to uncover timeless truths that illuminate our understanding of humility and inspire us to embody its transformative power in our own lives.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Narrating the Night of Maundy Thursday
Imagine yourself transported back in time to ancient Jerusalem, the night before the day the Lord Jesus was going to be crucified. The air is thick with anticipation and tension as Jesus gathers his closest companions for a final meal. This meal wasn't just an ordinary dinner; it was a sacred occasion filled with profound significance.
As Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table, he took bread and blessed it, breaking it and giving it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
In these simple acts of breaking bread and sharing wine, Jesus established the sacrament of the Eucharist, a central ritual in Christian worship. Through the bread and wine, Christians believe they partake in the spiritual presence of Christ, symbolizing his sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
Feet-Washing on Maundy Thursday
But Maundy Thursday is about more than just the Last Supper. It is also a day when Jesus demonstrated profound humility and love through the act of washing his disciples' feet. In a culture where washing feet was a task reserved for servants, Jesus, the Son of God, took on the role of a servant to teach his followers about the importance of humility and service.
As young Christians, it's essential to reflect on the lessons of Maundy Thursday. It reminds us of the depth of Jesus' love for humanity and his willingness to humble himself for the sake of others. It challenges us to emulate his example by serving one another with love and humility.
Maundy Thursday as a Solemn Reflection on Christ's Passion
Furthermore, Maundy Thursday serves as a poignant reminder of the events that would soon unfold. After the Last Supper, Jesus would be betrayed by one of his own disciples, arrested, and ultimately crucified. Thus, Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the solemn journey towards Good Friday and, ultimately, the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday.
In observing Maundy Thursday, Christians engage in acts of worship, reflection, and service. Some churches hold special services where the Eucharist is celebrated, and the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet is recounted. Others may participate in foot-washing ceremonies or engage in acts of service within their communities, following Jesus' example of humility and love.
As we prepare to celebrate Maundy Thursday, let us reflect on the profound significance of this day in the Christian faith. Let us remember Jesus' sacrificial love, his humble service, and his call for us to love one another as he has loved us. May we be inspired to follow his example and live lives of humility, service, and love, embodying the true spirit of Maundy Thursday.
God On His Knees
In this contemporary era, where narcissism is glorified, radical individualism prevails, and self-fulfillment is exalted as the ultimate goal, it is easy for us, as citizens of heaven residing in a society that celebrates and practices such flawed values, to forget our true identity, our divine calling, and the manner in which we are called to live. It appears as though we are gradually being conditioned to embrace these defective values to the extent that our worldviews are being subtly altered.
Tomorrow, on the fifth day of the Holy Week, we commemorate Jesus' profound act of washing His disciples' feet. This stands as one of the greatest demonstrations of humility witnessed by humanity. Not only did the Son of God, the second member of the Holy Trinity, willingly humble Himself, taking on human form and descending from the heavens to dwell among mortals as one of them, but He also stripped Himself of every trace of dignity by disrobing before His disciples. He assumed the role of the lowliest servant, kneeling before them in a profound act of servitude to those whom He had created.
In the Greco-Roman society in which Jesus lived, humility was not revered but rather scorned. However, Jesus exemplified to His disciples the necessity of living according to Kingdom values, which often stand in contrast to the popular but fleeting values of the world. This event, recorded in the Bible, serves as a profound reminder for us to embrace values that diverge from the dark and glorified ideals of this world. It teaches us that our lives ought to be characterized by humility, service, submission, and love, even though these virtues may not be esteemed by the world around us. John 13:3-5 says,
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”
What is True Humility?
I would like to draw your attention to verse 3 of John 13. Here, we are informed that "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God." Jesus possessed a profound awareness of His identity, knowing precisely where He originated from and where He was destined. Continuing from this premise, verse 4 employs the conjunction 'so' and proceeds to narrate the act of washing feet.
Based on an analysis of verses 3 and 4, I propose that the Son of God could confidently undertake one of the greatest acts of humility, an act considered beneath even human servants, because He possessed a confident awareness of His identity in relation to His Father.
Humility Birthed From an Awareness of Our Identity in Christ
Perhaps genuine humility stems from a deep understanding of our identity in Christ. Radical humility in our lives may only be achievable when we have a secure identity in Christ and a thorough comprehension of it. Only when we grasp our identity in Christ as His child (John 1:12), friend (John 15:15), masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), heir (Galatians 4:7), and so forth, can we truly embody radical humility, submission, and servanthood.
When our identity is insecure, and our understanding of who we are in Christ is lacking, we may resort to prideful behavior in an attempt to feel secure and confident. However, with a firm conviction and awareness that we are united with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realms, we will be compelled to humble ourselves in submission and loving service to our fellow believers.
May God grant us the courage to resist the sinful ideals of this world, and may He empower us with divine understanding of our secure and exalted identity in Christ, enabling us to humbly serve others with love and grace.
The following is an excerpt of Max Lucado’s account of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet.
"Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now massage toes. And the One before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels before His disciples. Hours before His own death, Jesus’ concern is singular. He wants His disciples to know how much He loves them." -Max Lucado
Conclusion
As we draw near to the sacred observance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter, DesamFM extends heartfelt wishes for a blessed Holy Week to all our readers. May these days be filled with profound reflection, spiritual growth, and an ever-deepening relationship with Christ, our Lord.
May the spirit of this holy season envelop you with peace, hope, and the presence of God. May your journey through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter be a time of renewal, grace, and spiritual awakening.
DesamFM prays that God's love and blessings abundantly overflow in your life, drawing you closer to Him with each passing moment. May you experience the fullness of His presence and the joy of His resurrection power. Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter filled with the promise of new beginnings and eternal hope. May God bless you abundantly.
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