Maundy Thursday is named after the Latin word mandatum (meaning “command” or “mandate”), referring to the new commandment Jesus would give His disciples during the Last Supper to “love one another as I have loved you” and is considered by some to be the second most important day of Holy Week. There were many events that happened that day to which we reflect on as significant, the last supper, Jesus identifying His betrayer, predicting Peter’s denial, praying alone in the garden, being betrayed with a kiss, arrested, His friends scattered, but there were two other events that occurred that day in the upper room that changed the disciples’ world view and should alter ours as well. At their Passover celebration meal, the Lord Jesus did something that was never expected, He washed the feet of all of the disciples, even Judas’. Washing people’s feet was a demeaning service, normally performed by the lowliest of the household servants. The Lord showed those that were there that it was necessary that the dirt of the world be cleansed from their feet before they could experience what was coming. It was also a symbolic cleansing with a purpose to get their attention so they could hear the words that the Lord would soon speak to them that would change their lives forever. Probably the most challenging thing that happened on that Maundy Thursday was Jesus’ proclaiming His mandate with them which is written in *John 13:34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.* Have you ever really tried to figure out what it really looks like to “Love one another” and then be intentional Love like Jesus every day? It sounds so simple and yet most times seems to be impossible. As we look at the world we can see that without the Love of God in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to love anyone besides ourselves sacrificially. The call that we have been given is to fellowship as believers, like the gathering of the last supper with our Savior Servant. The Lord Jesus showed us by His example when He bowed down and washed His disciples feet Love by the will of the water and the tenderness of the towel. In humility we must take the vow day after day to be devoted to point others to Christ to help set their souls free. As believers we must remember why we are to Love as well as seen written in *John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”* True greatness in His kingdom is attained by those with a servant’s heart and out of humility purposefully puts others above themselves. Maundy Thursday serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of service to the Lord, just as Jesus exemplified servanthood during His time on earth. Today is a day of reflection and a call to action for Christians worldwide to embody the values of our faith and follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus’ life. We are called to serve and care for the spiritual well being of His people, and in so we are to follow His example in everything we do. The Lord Jesus is doing today what is comparable to washing the soiled feet of His disciples by continually taking away the sins of the world. Our poorest actions He knows; our deepest sorrow He feels; our halfhearted prayers He hears, and our every transgression He forgives. Jesus showed those in the upper room and us by example, how we are to serve others in Love. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.