A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Sunset on Folly Beach in Winter

Maundy Thursday

Tonight is an important night to all of us who love Jesus.  Called Maundy Thursday, it is the night in which we remember our Lord's last hours with his disciples before He was arrested and crucified.   

Christians throughout the world have gathered to remember.  I was invited to celebrate this night in a beautiful cathedral on the campus of The University of the South in Sewanee.  The moon is full overhead on a cold and windy night.  My heart is open and expectant. 

Sitting next to me is the Vice Chancellor of the University and his wife.  We are surrounded by people young and old, black, white, and brown.  Among us are students, faculty, business people, professionals, artists, and retired people from our community.  How fitting that people of every age have gathered here to show our respects to Jesus!

On this night 2,000 years ago, Jesus and His disciples are observing Passover, a night when all Jews are commanded to celebrate the memorial of their redemption from Egyptian bondage.  As a matter of fact, God has commanded them to observe this rite forever.

Jesus' love for His disciples shines brightly on this night, even on the one who will betray Him.  As they begin to eat the Passover meal, Jesus seems to hand Judas the "first sup," which in Jewish tradition is given to the guest of honor.  Judas then leaves the meal to go to Jesus' enemies where he betrays Him for thirty pieces of silver.

During the Passover meal, Jesus tells His disciples when He breaks the bread, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."  In the same way, He takes the cup of wine saying, "This is the new covenant in My blood; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."

The night to remember for all generations, the Passover, has now become a night to remember the Passover Lamb, Jesus.

After supper, Jesus lays aside His garments and taking a towel, He girds Himself and pours water into a basin.  He begins to wash His disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He is girded.

Jesus takes on the role of a slave and encourages His disciples to take on this role as well.

Then Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  He asks His disciples to keep watch with Him but they are too tired and succumb to slumber.

Jesus prays a poignant prayer to our Father.  He asks that our Father make us one as He and the Father are One.  He also asks that if it is possible, for this cup to pass from Him.  As a prophet, He knows full well what is about to happen.  Sweat, like great drops of blood fall from his forehead as He travails.  His time has come. 

On this night we remember for all generations the one who gave His all for us.  None of us are deserving of so great a gift. 

Oh, how I love Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!  King of kings and Lord of lords!