Maundy Thursday -- John 13

     This is Holy Week in the Christian calendar. Today is Maundy Thursday. On this day, Jesus was in the Upper Room with His disciples. Several things happened in the Upper Room. Today, we will focus on John 13 and see some of what Jesus taught His disciples and us.
     On this day, Jesus instituted the sacrament of holy communion. The bread represents His body broken for us. The cup represents His blood that was shed for the remission of our sins.
     After this, Jesus washed the disciples feet. He was their Lord and Master, yet He took upon Himself the role of a servant. Jesus called them, and He calls us to serve one another. We are not to find our worth in being greater than someone else. We are to find our purpose in serving one another. We seek what is best for others, and we try to help them the best way that we know how as we are led by the Holy Spirit.
     Jesus did not come to be served. He came to serve. He demonstrated this on this night by washing the disciples' feet. We must follow this example of service for others given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.
    On this night, Jesus knew who it was that would betray Him. One of those whom He had chosen would turn His back on Him. Jesus also predicted that Peter would deny knowing Him .
    In this life, there will be situations when we must stand for Jesus. We must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let each of us commit ourselves to never turning away from the Lord Jesus. Let us acknowledge before the world that Jesus Christ is our Lord. Let us do this not only in word but also in deed.
     Finally, we see in John 13 that Jesus gave a new commandment to those who would seek to follow after Him. John 13:34-35 states, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
     Jesus called on us to love each other. We are to care for each other and help one another. We are to serve one another just as Jesus served. We are to have a heart filled with compassion to help those in this world who need assistance in body, mind, soul and spirit.
     When people see the love that the followers of Jesus have for Him and for one another, that is what will turn their hearts to the Lord Jesus. They will see how different a life filled with the love of Jesus can be.
     On this day, remember the love of Jesus. Remember the example of Jesus. Let us love and serve one another.