Maundy Thursday we remember the last supper. As evening rests on the setting of the sun this day, I am mindful of grace. A ready and underserved favor that cost Jesus everything. 

Among those He loved so faithfully, even facing the cross, He so unselfishly cared for every heart reclined at that table.

Humility- as recorded in John’s gospel, on His last night before His betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as He had loved them (John 13:34) 

For our Lord and Savior to take up the position of servant overwhelms me and in heart I truly long to never let him down. 

Yet in brokenness, I am that sinner. This small life born broken cannot comprehend HIS body broken for me. HIS blood shed for me. The precious lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world for me. 

1 Corinthians 11 has played over and over in my heart today with verses 23-26 taking me into that very room with His beloved. I find myself with a hovering view peering into the sacred place where grace will be known so very real.

As I imagine the depths from which Paul writes, my heart bows low and although this sinners heart has been brought back into a right relationship with God, my it aches as I remember afresh my faith walk and wish there had been another way. 

“Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said,

This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me. After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me. What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Familiarity. This day set aside for a focused remembrance casts a shadow on ever becoming so familiar with what lie ahead for Jesus.

Paul continues and leaves no doubt in our hearts that we……

Maundy Thursday was a night most pressing on the heart of God that we NEVER forget what Jesus has done for us.

In closing, Paul continues in 1 Corinthians full well knowing the divisions among the people and without holding back he writes.

“Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of “remembrance” you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe.”
                             Holy Awe

It is quiet now on this beautiful spring evening. Life is alive all around me from my porch swing view. Bird’s singing. Flowers are popping up from the winter’s ground and somehow the leaves on the tree unfurled almost overnight. The fragrance of spring onions, hyacinths and tulips fill my head with spring joy and the promise of all things new.

So as with God, Easter is coming. 
The cross. The horrible death between two thieves. The burial. The resurrection. Rejoicing.

Jesus will not stay in the grave but will rise and bring hope and beauty to a broken people. 

We remember this Maundy Thursday and we hold on to the promise of the resurrection and to our God and King who never gave up on His beloved creation. 

At this day’s end…..

I give thanks for the sacred pause of remembering today. Thank you Jesus for making all things well with my soul.