An 8 Day Meditation for Holy Week

Maundy Thursday
Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30; John 13:1-30; Revelation 19:7 (The Last Supper)

Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. This joyous thought was so filled with love and anticipation. He had thought of it often and this is why Jesus was very eager to share the passover meal with His disciples. The meaning will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. His bride will be prepared. What a glorious day that will be!

All had been prepared for the Passover meal — all except the missing servant who would wash the dirty feet of the men who would lounge around the table in close quarters for dinner. The stillness was thick in the air. The disciples were silenced as they saw Jesus take off his cloak and tie a towel around His waist. Who is This Jesus they asked as they humbly peered into the basin of water. Jesus was taking the lowliest position to wash their feet before the meal. Not even one of them considered washing each other’s feet. Little did they know this was a foreshadow of what was to come, His ultimate act of love and humility on the cross. Jesus knew this was a necessary preparation. All but one had experienced the full cleansing of salvation and did not need to be washed all over again. Jesus wanted to show them that they needed a daily minor washing from the spiritual filth they encountered in the world each day. This cleansing is manifested in living a repentant lifestyle and prepares us for every good work. Our work in the body of Christ is to follow Christ’s example. We are told to wash each other’s feet in a spiritual sense. This is done by serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind, seeking to build each other up in humility and love. This washing is also shown by forgiving one another as He has forgiven us.

Day 5 brings great reflection and adoration for the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Let us be humbled that This Jesus continues to cleanse us and is preparing us for that glorious day when He will partake of the cup with us in the Kingdom of God. Let us be in prayer for opportunities to wash each other’s feet and follow His example in humility and love.