Maundy Thursday, which falls on April 17th this year, is the Christian holy day commemorating the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion.
For those of you who follow our blog and YouTube channel, today’s video offers a detailed explanation of the Passover meal, which we often refer to as the Last Supper. Rudy Ross draws upon his extensive knowledge of Judaism to provide this insight.
John relates what occurred on the Last Supper when Jesus ate with His disciples.
Jesus’ Authority
Jesus’ actions at the meal are best understood in light of the authority he knew came from the Father.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself (John 13:3-4).
The issue of authority was a frequent point of contention between Jesus and the religious authorities. Authority, at its core, answers the question: “Who is in charge?”
Jesus understood his authority, recognizing it as a gift from the Father. Furthermore, Jesus knew that God’s kingdom was present through his very being on earth.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has arrived; repent, and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15).
God’s Kingdom is the effective reach of His power. Jesus had all power from the Father. Let’s notice how he used it.
A King Who Serves
How did Jesus use His power and authority?
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him (John 13:5).
Peter was shocked that Jesus wanted to wash all of the disciples’ feet, a task beneath even Jewish slaves. But Jesus wasn’t finished. This was His message to the disciples, who would soon receive his authority to minister to the world.
He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am.
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.
If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:12-17).
This statement of Jesus is particularly challenging. We readily acknowledge Him as our teacher and Lord, our master to whom we are servants.
However, to act as He did, recognizing that we are no better than Him but are called to follow His example, is a difficult concept for us to embrace.
It is far too easy to assert our own privilege, to emphasize our authority, to declare to the world, “Don’t you know who I am?” instead of humbly serving others.
Many advertisements say in effect, “Try it, you’ll like it.” Jesus tells us something similar: if we try living with his servant attitude and love that puts others first, we’ll be blessed.
If we give it a shot, we might be surprised at how much we like it.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 