Bible Reading + Reflection on Maundy Thursday

[Nelson Kim]

I know it's a crazy week with all of this church stuff right after spring break, but let's do our best to revere this passion week and see more of God. Following the "Passion Week Occurrences" sheet, below are the events + some readings that occurred on Maundy Thursday. Whether on the bus or wherever, please take some time to read at least the passages in this email! (Please no tl;dr)

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The Last Supper: "Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed... And when the hour came, he reclined at the the table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you that I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup, and when had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. " And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Luke 22:7, 14-20)

Jesus speaks to the disciples in the upper room: John 13-17

Some of his final words to his disciples before being betrayed and arrested: "Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:32-33)

Jesus struggles in Gethsemane: "And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying. "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them. "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Luke 22:39-46) Jesus goes on to say, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

Jesus is betrayed and arrested: "While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, [Peter] stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled." (Matthew 26:47-56)

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A thought for reflection: Maundy Thursday is Jesus' final night as a free man before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. How does Jesus spend it? He spends it with his disciples (even Judas) and prepares them - by teaching them and pushing them to earnestly pray - for the craziness that is about to happen. The Last Supper is Jesus' last meal with his disciples and it's why we have communion - in "remembrance" of Christ and this "new covenant" of restored communion with God by Jesus' blood on the cross.

Some things to think about on your own:

1) This is generally a solemn day, but how can we be encouraged/strengthened by the things that Jesus tells his disciples on this Thursday?

2) What can you do today (even as you take communion) to really remember Christ and what he did for you?