Scripture:

John 13:33-35 (NIV)

My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Maundy Thursday

It occurred to me that despite having spent my entire life hearing the term “Maundy Thursday,” I had no idea what “maundy” meant. If I had to guess, I would have thought that the word had something to do with eating a meal or gathering together. But I discovered that it was derived from another event that happened at the Last Supper, one which I had never taken much notice of amid the other significant moments such as washing the disciples’ feet and

the breaking of the bread. The latin word which “maundy” comes from is mandatum, which you may recognize as similar to the English words “mandate” and “command.” Mandatum is used in the Latin version of John 13 when Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: to love one another as He loved them. So, Maundy Thursday is named after the mandate which Jesus gives in John 13:33-35.

This is striking because it is yet another example of Jesus’ unwavering grace under pressure and His dedication as a teacher for His disciples. Each year during Maundy Thursday I reflect on the upper room and imagine how intense it must have been. With the crucifixion looming, Jesus declares that one of them will betray Him, that He will suffer and die, offers up His body and blood as bread and wine, and shocks the disciples by taking a servants’ role by washing their feet. Later on in the chapter, Jesus is described as being “troubled

in spirit” and the disciples are “at a loss.” I can feel the fear, sadness, and confusion in the room. Yet here is Jesus still teaching the disciples’ and giving them hope with this commandment just after telling them that this phase on Earth is finished, and that they will be alone. He is devoted even in such an intense circumstance, focused on preparing us for salvation and for living in the best possible way. This final “mandate” to love one another is a beautiful summation of what Jesus taught during His time among us.

What are the implications of Jesus’ conversation in the upper room for the larger Christian family, who are now invited to take part at God’s table? What does this personal experience with His disciples mean for all of us? I think that Maundy Thursday’s namesake could provide us with valuable insight. The mandate to love one another is a direct result of His sacrifice on the cross we commemorate on Easter Sunday.

He loved us enough to die, and through that we have a deeper understanding of love which we can spread to others. We can consider Jesus’ new commandment for His disciples as His lesson for us also.

Reflection Written by Amber Bertino

Prayer:

Lord, help us to follow Your commandment to love one another because You loved us. Let us experience Your love this holy week and to share that love with others.

In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.