What Does Maundy Mean?
It’s Maundy Thursday. Have you ever wondered what “Maundy” means?
The first words of John 13:34 in Latin are Mandatum novum. In English they are translated, “A new command.” In Old English the Latin word, mandatum, became mande’.
So, in most English-speaking Protestant Churches, Holy Thursday is referred to as Maundy Thursday.
If we look at John 13:34-35, we read: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Let’s look at the events of Maundy Thursday as they are recorded in the Bible:
- Jesus took on the role of the lowliest slave and washed His disciples feet.
- Jesus instituted the Eucharist (The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion), “given for” us . . .
- Jesus agonized over His impending suffering and death, and cried out to God with humble obedience.
- Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, and bound for trial knowing full well what was happening and what was coming.
- Because His love for us was greater than any amount of suffering or death.
Everything Jesus did demonstrated His “new command.”
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Loving like Jesus really is an impossible goal for sinful selfish people, but Jesus didn’t give it to us as a goal . . . He gave us a command!
He didn’t say, “If you feel like it,” or “try,” or “if they’re lovable.” He said, “you must!”
Why?
Because this is how men will know that you are my disciples.
This is His command. Humble yourselves. Serve one another in love.
Follow His example, His command . . . love.
Photo Credit
Thank you for this encouraging post, Deb. I always wondered what Maundy Thursday meant – and I hadn’t realized all those events took place on the same day. Whenever I’m having a hard time serving, it always helps me to get a biblical perspective on it. This post does that! Hope you have a great Resurrection Weekend! Our two college kids are coming home with 5-7 of their friends. Should be fun!
Hope you are having a wonderful time with your kids and their friends. We are going to have a quieter weekend this year, but looking forward to visits in a few weeks. He is risen!!