What is Maundy Thursday?

Most of us have heard of Maundy Thursday. You likely know what it is, but I’m guessing that you have wondered what the word “Maundy” means. It isn’t a word that you would ever use in casual conversation. The word comes from the Latin word “mandatum” and it means “commandment”. It refers to the commandment that Jesus gave his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. He showed them this when he washed their feet at their celebration of the Passover. It is also the night of the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

On Maundy Thursday, believers across the globe gather to commemorate that night. In our congregation, we gather to observe the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. Other Christian churches will also observe the practice of foot washing.

Maundy Thursday is also important for Christians because it is the first of three major events in the celebration of Easter. Maundy Thursday recalls and commemorates the final meal Jesus had with his disciples leading to his betrayal. Many congregations gather in remembrance the following day for Good Friday in remembrance of Jesus going to the cross to bear the wrath of God for our sin. The third major celebration is Easter itself. Every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection but on Easter Sunday we focus more deeply on the events of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and hell.

In conclusion, Maundy Thursday in an important day in the life of the Christian church as we commemorate the institution of the Lord’s Supper and the new covenant of grace through Christ’s body broken and blood shed for us. Join us as we gather to receive the sacrament and reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of salvation we have through his resurrection.