Honor Jesus! It is the least we can do on these two somber days before Resurrection Sunday!
First let’s look at the significance of each of these days.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
First what does the name mean? Maundy means mandates and refers to the commands given to the disciples at dinner that evening. He instituted Communion (Luke 22: 14-20) and commanded His disciples to live a life of love and service to one another. (John 13: 1-17)
Unquestionably, Jesus knew His arrest was imminent. However, He didn’t hide and feel sorry for Himself.
SO, EXACTLY WHAT DID HE DO THAT DAY?
- Celebrated the last supper with his disciples, probably the Seder dinner, but some think not, because John 19: 14-16 mentions the beginning of Passover after Jesus’ arrest. Nevertheless, we do know that Jesus had His LAST SUPPER with His disciples that evening and that the crucifixion occurred around the time of Passover.
- During this dinner, He took the cup of wine and told the disciples to divide it among them. He then took bread and after passing it to the disciples told them this was His body given for them. “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22: 29b)
- Jesus also took the time and humbled Himself in the last hours to wash the disciples feet!
- The disciples and Jesus sang together. Probably the Hallel Psalms which are 113-118, because this was customary as part of the Passover liturgy.
SO HOW CAN WE HONOR JESUS ON MAUNDY THURSDAY? TRY ONE OR MORE OF THESE!
- Get a lovely basin and beautiful cloths and invite friends over for dinner. Read the complete account of Maundy Thursday in the following Bible passages: Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-65, John 13:1-18:27 and then conduct a foot washing service. If you prefer, honor Jesus by just doing this with your family.
- Find a Maundy Thursday church service to attend and participate in Communion.
- Read the Hallel Psalms listed above.
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday was a day of despair for Jesus’ followers. Conversely, we are blessed to know that Friday is not the end, but a new beginning for God’s creation. Jesus allowed His death to rescue us from our sin. All we have to do is receive Jesus and believe.
This Good Friday honor Jesus by reflecting on the sin of human
Additionally, don’t get caught up in the controversy of what day of the week Jesus died or other semantic issues. What’s important is that Jesus died and rose, and believers will spend eternity with Him.
SUGGESTIONS FOR HONORING JESUS ON GOOD FRIDAY
To the best of our knowledge darkness came over the land around noon and Jesus died about 3:00 on Good Friday. During these hours
Perhaps be silent between 12 and 3 or at some other point during the day.
Begin a fast on Good Friday and break it on Resurrection Sunday!
Between 9:00 and 3:00 spend at least five minutes at the beginning of each of these hours and honor Jesus in prayer. Thank Him for the sacrifice He made for all of us.
While Good Friday is a sad day and we must acknowledge the part we play in this travesty; we must also prepare our hearts for a joyful Sunday morning. Too many of us treat Easter as day to eat out, cook a big meal, and gather with family and friends. We forget that this day celebrates the most significant event in the history of humanity.
Know in your heart and mind that this Somber Friday leads to a Joyful Sunday.
So uplifting. Patrice you have such a talent for sharing and writing. Happy Easter to you, Todd and family. Miss you so much. Hope you can come visit me this summer, but know you have family responsibilities also. Love you. Aunt Susanne
What great ideas for Good Friday! Thanks!
Just catching up on e-mail and realize how much I would have appreciated reading this a week ago (5 days before Easter.) Unfortunately my e-mail was unavailable the last 2 wks. Fortunately, I di get it today, so your input and suggestions are much appreciated for any day of the year! Thanks Patrice.