Maundy Thursday Commands

Today is Maundy Thursday. The Old English word maundy comes from the the Latin mandatum which means command. The name comes from Jesus’ words to his disciples as they sat around the table the night he was betrayed. In John 13:34 Jesus said, “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I hve loved you, so you must love one another. But this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As he was about to depart them Jesus was focused on his disciples ability to simply love one another. This command, was of course, not a new command, but a summary of Jesus’ teachings to his disciples. Above all else, as they sought to serve the world, the were commanded to root that service in love of one another. If only we would take this command seriously. If only loving one another as disciples filled us with such zeal that it transformed our views of the world.

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than proving our particular theological minutia better argued.

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than making money

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than tearing each other down

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than searching for reasons to separate ourselves

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than about past wrongs

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than putting backsides in the seats

If only we were more concerned about loving one another than ourselves

Lord Jesus we fail daily in our obedience to your command to love one another. Forgive us and inspire us that love for one another can become the catalyst that brings transformation and redemption to our lives and the world you have placed us in.