Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Sunday
Maundy Thursday leads off an emotional end to Holy Week. I was asked a question yesterday (Maundy Thursday 2009) that I had never thought to ask myself. “What does Maundy Thursday mean?” After some brief research I had a clear answer and it served to further cement the powerful significance of this day.
Some have proffered the translation, ‘The day of the washing of feet.’ This refers to Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet at the last supper. This is not entirely correct or incorrect. Allow me to explain: The word Maundy comes from the Latin root mandatum, which means commandment. Maundy Thursday is the observation of ‘The New Commandment,’ given by Jesus in John 13:34-35
34″A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This new command was illustrated only moments before Jesus said this as he washed each of his disciples feet. This was a loving service to his disciples to show them what a loving servant’s heart and deeds look like; namely humble and selfless. Imagine it. If the Christ can wash the feet of his disciples, what can I do that I haven’t been doing?
So, both interpretations of Maundy blend together to give us a clear picture of what love is. Further, this occurs on the Passover, the very evening that Jesus is betrayed into custody of the Jewish officials in Jerusalem, eventually handed over to Pontius Pilate and sentenced to be executed at the cross.
Good Friday is a solemn day. We remember the crucifixion, sometimes though, as it was portrayed in the movie ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ a condensed single scene that lasts 10 or maybe 15 minutes. In fact Jesus was crucified at 9:00 AM Good Friday Morning and suffered the cross for around 6 hours, until 3:00 PM. This torturous day lasted for most of our worday! Good Friday is good because the sacrifice necessary to redeem us from our sins is made. This is rightly a day of reflection, meditation and prayer.
Finally, we come to Easter Sunday. How I long to hear the words “He is Risen.” How I long to respond “He Lives.” We rejoice, not because it is properly spring or because Easter has arrived. We rejoice because prophecy is fulfilled. Our sins are forgiven, just for the asking. We have a new covenant with God and it is good as is He.
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