What is Maundy Thursday?

On Maundy (or Holy) Thursday, Christians commemorate the supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) and instituted the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:13-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

The title for this day, Maundy Thursday, recalls the new commandment (mandatum novum in Latin) to love one another in John 13:34. The act of footwashing dramatizes the servanthood of Jesus, both on the night before his death and in his continuing presence in our midst.

At table with his disciples, Jesus not only foreshadows the giving of his own life for the life of the world, but also tangibly enacts our unbreakable and everlasting relationship with the eternal Christ. The gift of Holy Communion also points towards the time when disciples will break bread together with the Risen Lord.

Maundy Thursday marks the first day of the Triduum—the climax of Lent (and the whole Christian year)—which is the bridge into the Easter Season. It is traditionally followed by observing Good Friday, and then the Easter Vigil (either late Saturday night or before dawn Sunday). These Great Three Days proclaim the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. During these days, the community journeys with Jesus from the upper room to the cross, to the tomb, and to the garden.

- adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992).

Don't forget about our Maundy Thursday worship at 12:30,
this Thursday (4/9) at the Wesley.