THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025

Lord, what did the disciples think when you diverged from the traditional message of Passover to establish a new form of worship? The bread and wine in the traditional Passover meal represented the broken body and the innocent blood of the sacrificial lamb, which was offered for the forgiveness of sins. Your next act changed the disciples’ understanding of the true meaning of Passover.

A significant moment occurred during this “Last Supper.” You removed your outer garment, took a basin of water, and washed your disciples’ dirty, smelly feet. Perhaps your disciples thought washing someone’s feet was beneath them, but your act demonstrated true humility, love, and service. As the disciples sat in silence, you commanded them to follow your example and serve others in the same way. You were not finished. You had other revelations to share.

“As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “‘Take this and eat it, for this is my body’” (Matthew 26:26 NLT).

Did they look at one another, questioning what you meant by, “for this is my body.”

“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27–29 NLT).

His blood of the covenant? For the forgiveness of sins? Later, they understood.

Lord, you became the sacrificial lamb and shed your blood on the cross so that all who trust your sacrifice will not perish in our sin but have everlasting life in Heaven with you. Amen, Jesus.