The day was pregnant with anticipation, like a heavy fog hanging in the air. There was a solemnness etched in Jesus’ face that penetrated to the hearts of the disciples. The things Jesus talked about these days were more and more difficult to hear, to accept. Surely the time had come for Jesus to conquer Rome and bring the Kingdom here on earth, the disciples thought. But Jesus kept talking about disturbing things, like eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He talked about suffering and dying. He said He was going away. It just didn’t make sense.
It was Thursday, the day of the Passover meal. As the disciples prepared to celebrate with Jesus every sense was heightened, as if waiting for something to happen. Jesus knew the time had come. All of human history had been waiting for this moment, and the waiting was almost done. Tomorrow would be the day He would do what He came to do. But first, today. Today to bring new things to life and old things to a close.
During the Passover meal Jesus took the unleavened bread and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” He took the cup of wine and said, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” A new covenant. A new way of relating to God. A new way of knowing Him.
Jesus lovingly washed the feet of His disciples, serving them like a slave, humble and meek. Peter was aghast that Jesus would touch such a dirty, unworthy part of him. Jesus spoke, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
Judas left the meal—never to be in communion with Jesus again—to fulfill the role prophesied so many years before. The end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, brought about by the hand of a friend.
After dinner, Jesus and the disciples passed through the dark, misty streets where Jesus spoke His last messages of hope and encouragement to those whom had walked with Him for three and a half years. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another,” He told them. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Another new beginning. A new way of relating to each other.
But the most difficult part of the day was still to come. Jesus and the disciples turned towards the garden of Gethsemane, the stage for the greatest act of the human will. Before they arrived, Jesus prayed for His disciples. He prayed for those present, “As You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” He also prayed for us, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
They arrived at the entrance to the garden. There was a great pause in the air. Jesus stepped onto the soft turf, a soft wind blowing like the sigh of heaven. Jesus asked His disciples to wait for Him and pray. Agony stretched across His face. He walked a little distance and fell to His knees, praying in great sorrow. Sweat, like great drops of blood, ran down His face. He knew the agonies of the next day. He knew all the hope of heaven and earth rested on the promise of tomorrow.
But He was fully man and afraid. “My Father,” He pleaded, “if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” The greatest act of the human will was on display in that quiet lonely place as Jesus surrendered Himself to the will of the Father. An angel from heaven came and ministered to Him.
The victory was secured. Our hope was established. Satan was defeated. Jesus arose strengthened, ready to walk in obedience. As Judas approached, Jesus was calm and composed and perhaps full of pity. The time had come. His moment was here to secure the redemption of His future Bride, to honor the heart of the Father. The end of many things and the beginning of new realities dawned with the breaking of the sun over the horizon of the garden as Jesus was led away.
We at Gospel for Asia are praying that we, you and many others across the globe may fully understand the significance of Christ’s deep compassion for His Bride, His agony before His suffering, and His surrender to the Father. May our Lord’s desire that we may all be one so the world may believe in Him be fulfilled. The Lord God bless you this Maundy Thursday.
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