Maundy Thursday

Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1)

On Maundy Thursday, our congregation gathers to consider how Jesus loved his disciples - how Jesus loves us now. We read the account of Jesus' washing the disciples' feet. We consider the love revealed in Jesus' last meal.

Jesus loved his disciples to the end.

This verse is full of such deep meaning. How moving it is to consider the constancy of Jesus' love! Even in the grief of impending suffering and death, Jesus continued to love and serve those who followed him, even to the end. How then, should we love one another?

Jesus loved his disciples to the end.

Again, this verse is full of such deep meaning. How moving it is to consider the intention of Jesus' love! He did not only love until the completion of his life. He loved according to the end of his life, according to the aim, the purpose for which he was created. How incredible it is to be loved with such an intentional love! How then, should we love one another?

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)