Holy Week: Thursday

Maundy Thursday. Passover. All day a day of preparation. House secured - it is believed they met at Mark's parents house. Table set - wine, vinegar, bitter herbs. Feast prepared. The Jewish day began at sundown. Joining together around 6:00pm. Disciples only. The Twelve with the Master.

Did they sigh with relief? They had made it to Passover. No arrests. No one hurt. They sang Psalm 113 and 114.

They argued. He washed their feet. Their smelly, dusty, calloused, men-sized feet. They were uncomfortable and resisted. They had no idea what else he was going to do for them. This day is also called the Thursday of Mysteries.

He instituted the Lord's Supper. And gave new commandments. The word 'Maundy', derived from the Latin word 'mandatum', means "commandment" and refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another, and to remember his sacrifice.

They left between 9:00 and 10:30pm and he told them they would all fall away. But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matt 26: 35

Jesus took Peter, John and James with him to Gethsemane. He told them he was sorrowful to the point of death. He went a little further to pray and they fell asleep. Anguish. Drops of blood. He was facing the horror of crucifixion, but even more than that, taking the cup of God's wrath. The full cup. Drinking it to the dregs. Becoming sin.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. II Cor. 5: 21

Couldn't you keep watch for one hour? One of Jesus' penetrating questions. To us. Can't we pray for one hour? Can't we sacrifice sleep for one hour? Can't we give one hour of service? Can't we go outside our comfort zone for one hour? One hour. That is all he asked of them that night. Can we find one hour today?

Off in the distance torches could be seen. They were coming to arrest him. It was about midnight.