Preparations are made and Jesus celebrates the Passover (Last Supper) with his disciples. Jesus washes their feet, including the feet of the one who will betray him. He also predicts his betrayal and shows John that it will be Judas. “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
Judas heads out into the night …
Jesus gives the disciples a new command; “that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” Sacrificial love will be the sign of discipleship.
After speaking to them on the gift of the Holy Spirit, prayer, persecution, … Jesus prays for all of his disciples. They sing a psalm and depart for the Mount of Olives. Jesus will sweat drops of blood as he anticipates the coming agony he must endure to save his people.
Judas reappears and betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested. The disciples flee. At this point darkness seems to be winning.
This day is traditionally called Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” comes from a Latin word meaning “commandment.” It refers back to the new command Jesus gave to his disciples after washing their feet.
Scripture Reading: Matt. 26:17-56; John 17
