Published on 03/20/2008

So let's gather together the events of today's "Maundy Thursday" (named for the Latin translation for the word "mandated"). On this day Jesus washed his disciples' feet and mandated that we serve each other in a similar spirit (John 13:15-16). Then he instituted the Lord's Supper with his disciples as a remembrance of his sacrifice.

Idaho's school children will soon be learning chess. Today's New York Times profiles the new program, intended to teach strategic thinking and build self-esteem. I'm not sure this is the best use of tax dollars. But since I don't live in Idaho, attend elementary school, or play much chess, my opinion couldn't be more irrelevant to the subject.

By contrast, Holy Week is relevant to every soul on our planet. So let's gather together the events of today's "Maundy Thursday" (named for the Latin translation for the word "mandated"). On this day Jesus washed his disciples' feet and mandated that we serve each other in a similar spirit (John 13:15-16). Then he instituted the Lord's Supper with his disciples as a remembrance of his sacrifice. First-century Jews took their meals while lying around a slightly elevated U-shaped table, leaning on one elbow and eating with the other. Jesus was in the center, the disciples to each side. They each ate from a common loaf and drank from a common cup.

Jesus then delivered an extended teaching discourse (John 14-16). In their presence, he prayed the true Lord's Prayer (John 17). Then he went to Gethsemane to pray for himself as he faced what he knew was coming. Here he agonized so much that he sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44) as his skin capillaries broke under stress.

His agony was not about the physical pain he would bear, though crucifixion was the worst form of execution ever devised. Rather, he dreaded the spiritual separation from his Father which he would endure in taking our sins upon himself. For the first time in all creation and time, the Son would feel the depravity and horror of sin and the despair of being separated from his Father. But he chose the cross, for you and me. All the while Peter, James, and John were asleep.

Here, in the Garden, Judas led the Temple soldiers to arrest Jesus. They did so under the cover of darkness so the crowd wouldn't know and revolt. From this moment forward, one of the most illegal trials in recorded history commenced, as we will see tomorrow.

A night which began with a towel and basin would lead to a crown of thorns and a cross. But the sacrifice of Jesus was the same in both acts. He washed the feet of Judas before he betrayed him, Peter before he denied him, and the other disciples before they abandoned him. He would soon die for these very sins. As he washed their feet and souls, so he waits to do the same for you and me. Why do you need his cleansing grace this morning?