Category: The Last Supper

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, holds deep significance in Christianity as it commemorates key events in the life of Jesus Christ. It marks the day before Good Friday and is part of Holy Week, leading up to Easter.

On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. During this meal, he established the sacrament of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion), symbolizing his body and blood through bread and wine. This act serves as a cornerstone of Christian worship.

Another important event is the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus. This act of humility and service demonstrated his teaching that true leadership is rooted in serving others. The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”

Maundy Thursday also reflects on the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, which set the stage for Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Many Christian traditions include special services, foot-washing rituals, and reflections on these profound moments.

The Last Supper

Matthew 26:17-30

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him.But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”Related image

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a]covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Although Maundy Thursday is part of Holy week where we have Jesus sitting with his disciples for the last supper. Our Queen Elizabeth II also observes it with the distribution of Maundy Money, the recipients of which goes to senior citizens who have served the church and the local community.