A New Commandment

Since the early church, the day before Good Friday has been known as Maundy Thursday. This is when we commemorate the night before Jesus was betrayed. We remember the night He celebrated Passover and instituted the Lord’s Supper, and when He gave the disciples an example of being a servant by washing their feet.

A crowning moment was the new commandment Jesus issued. This was not a request or suggestion but a real command. In fact, Maundy comes from the Latin word that means command. This is the source of our English word mandate. Maundy Thursday has also been important for its emphasis on personal purity and the need to be clean before God. As Paul reminded us, everyone ought to examine themselves before taking the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28 NIV).

There are many ways Christians have celebrated this day throughout history. Some churches still hold special services. But in our busy culture, this day is more often ignored and overlooked. This is sad, because every Christian should remember the things this day symbolizes.

Today, in this holy week, don’t forget the many messages of Maundy Thursday. Remember Jesus’ example, and strive to be a servant. Seek to be clean before God by confessing your sins. Obey the new commandment Jesus gave us. And remember that others will know that you’re His disciple if you show them His love. This is not an option but a command and mandate.