While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14: 22-25)
Traditional known as "Maundy Thursday", this is the day that Jesus washes his disciples feet, institutes Holy Communion at his last supper, prays in Gethsemane, and is arrested and brought before the Jewish council of leaders. His passion begins on this day.
The word "maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum" which means "command." Today, Jesus commands us to show humility (i.e. washing each other's feet) and to "remember" him through the sharing of a sacred meal that equates Jesus' act of sacrifice to that of the Passover Lamb.
Just at the blood of the lamb saved the Hebrew people from death and slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12), Jesus claims this same reality for himself. He will be the lamb of God who saves ALL people from the power of death and our slavery to sin.
As Lutherans, we believe that the bread and wine we use each week is the "real presence" of Jesus in a mystical, holy way. While the elements remain intrinsically bread and wine, we have an unabashed confidence in the word and that Jesus means it when he says "this is my body ... this is my blood."
Therefore, the real presence of Jesus becomes spiritual nourishment that sustains us in our discipleship and in our commitment to follow Jesus' model of humility and service.
Join us tonight at 7:00pm for Maundy Thursday Worship where we will wash each other's feet, and share in the Holy Supper.
No comments:
Post a Comment