Thursday before the Crucifiction

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Knitted Eggs
April 17
Have you ever thought about how a loved one spent their last week before they died?  For many people they are quite ill and the days and nights are long and drawn out…heaven can't some soon enough. For others death comes unexpectedly, but I've seldom considered what went on in their lives the week before their last breath.
With Jesus, we have a written account of his final Holy Week. He certainly was not on vacation.
Sunday the palm branches were waving as the cheers of "Hosanna in the highest" brought a sense of jubilation.  Monday, the tables were over turned and Jesus was ticked that what was to be a house of prayer had been turned into a den of robbers.  (Matthew 21:12-13)  Tuesday, he amazed the disciples with his power to make a fig free immediately wither and he challenged their faith saying, "If you believe,  you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  (Matthew 21:19-22) Then he went on an entered the temple courts and began teaching and opened up debates among the chief priest and elders.
That brings us up to Thursday, Maundy (meaning commandment in Latin) Thursday.  The disciples gathered for what was most likely the Passover Meal with Jesus, he humbled himself and washed their feet and bestowed upon them a very important commandment.
And now I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   John 13:34  It is at this same meal where Jesus tells Judas to go on and do what he plans to do.

Tonight at our home we will wash one another's feet (or maybe send the girls for pedicures). Which ever way, we will express our love for one another.

Lord, we humbly come before you realizing we are so underserving of your love and forgiveness.  How blessed the disciples were to walk on this earth with You.  How blessed we are to be the recipients of the blood You shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  Today, with obedient hearts and the help of the Holy Spirit we say, "We will love one another!"  In Jesus' Name, Amen

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