Maundy Thursday: What Happened in Holy Week
The Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane
The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” or command and refers to the new command Jesus gave his disciples on Thursday night when he washed their feet. This story is told only in John’s Gospel (Chapter 13). Our series, “What Happened in Holy Week,” covers the events told in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Outline
- Preparation for the Passover (Matthew 26:17–19, Mark 14:12–16, Luke 22:7–13). Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal. They found the place as Jesus had directed them.
- The Last Supper (Matthew 26:20–30, Mark 14:17–26, Luke 22:14–30). Jesus and the disciples gathered for the Passover meal. He identified Judas as the betrayer, and then Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper.
- The Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:39–46). Jesus prayed in agony, submitting to the Father’s will. The disciples fell asleep while Jesus prayed.
- The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:47–56, Mark 14:43–52, Luke 22:47–53). Judas arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus was arrested.
Meditation
Jesus faced his darkest hour and chose to submit to the Father’s will. It is understandable that he would have hesitated. What is not understandable is the depth of his love for us in carrying out this task. It is unfathomable that God should die for us.
Moreover, the disciples’ inability to stay awake and pray alongside Jesus reminds us of our own weaknesses. We often fail to support others in their struggles or neglect our spiritual disciplines. This scene in the Garden of Gethsemane challenges us to develop a deeper commitment to prayer and devotion.
We should have the courage to say, “Not my will, but yours be done,” trusting that God’s purposes will prevail. May we strive to be faithful companions on the journey, staying spiritually awake and supporting one another through life’s trials. In doing so, we honor Christ’s sacrifice and embrace the transformative power of his love.
Additional Thoughts
- How can we practically demonstrate the sacrificial love and humble service that Jesus exemplified during the Last Supper with his disciples?
- Read the account of Jesus’ arrest and reflect on the violence and trauma he endured as an innocent man.
Collect
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.
