As we go forth in Holy Week, today we celebrate Maundy Thursday and begin to contemplate Jesus’ final steps toward the cross. Maybe you are wondering exactly what Maundy Thursday means or why you should come to worship on Maundy Thursday. Here are a few thoughts to help you gain a better understanding and reflect on what this day may have been like for Jesus and His disciples.

Definition (LCMS) Maundy Thursday:
From the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” The reference is to the Holy Gospel appointed for the day from John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another.” Also called “Holy Thursday.”

From the Maundy Thursday devotion by LCMS World Relief and Human Care:
Lent was the time when candidates for Holy Baptism were intently preparing to be baptized at the Vigil of Easter. We, too, in this season of Lent prepare ourselves to remember our Baptism at Easter as we ritually “pass over” with Jesus from death to new life. During this Lenten season we will remember Jesus’ Baptism, His anointing with the Holy Spirit, and His words in Luke 4: that He was anointed to show and to be mercy. We will be reminded that as His people — hearing Him proclaim God’s Word and being God’s Word as Prophet; seeing Him sacrifice Himself on a cross and knowing that He intercedes for us as Priest; and knowing that we live under Him as King in righteousness and purity — we will be reminded of our work of mercy. Tonight, Maundy Thursday, we remember the “mandatum” the new commandment that Christ gave us to love each other, and the great gift He gives us in His body and blood.

With all these things in mind, we gather tonight in worship at 7:00pm, reflecting on His commandment for us, to love one another, and to honor all that He gives to us through His body and His blood. We will partake in the Lord’s Supper with unleavened bread and using the common cup for wine. We are ever mindful of His final moments with the disciples at the Last Supper and in the Garden of Gethsemane. Today we eat this bread and drink this wine and we remember.