Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

The fifth and sixth days of Holy Week are the most intense. Maundy Thursday is the day the church around the world has historically paused to remember –
• Jesus observing Passover with his disciples. As Jesus sat at table he took bread and wine and simply taught that his body and blood were the once-for-all sacrifice for all sin.
• Jesus washing his disciples feet.
• Judas’ colluding with the religious establishment and betraying of Jesus.
• Jesus’ teaching concerning the true vine, warning about persecution and then the coming Comforter – all this in one sitting with the Twelve!
• Jesus praying for the his disciples to withstand the inevitable hardships and for solidarity among disciples.
• Jesus praying which resulted in an irrevocable commitment to his Father’s will in Gethsemane.
• Jesus appearing before Annas, and then before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
• Peter and the others forsaking, denying, hiding ...
– enough material for several hours of reflection and learning. And, a trial before Pilate, a Roman whip, beard pulling, and crude spitting into Jesus’ face were awaiting in the next few hours.

Tomorrow, Good Friday, is the day when Jesus’ agonizing death is remembered by the church on every continent. As a child, our family attended Good Friday services from Noon until 3:00PM, a real marathon for a preteen. Several speakers, sad music and somber spirits made those services seem interminable. But, we learned it was important to participate. Dad came home from work early so we could attend as a family. Stores closed throughout a city of nearly 2 million people. Alas, this year, Major League Baseball has scheduled a game during those hours, the stores are promoting special “Lenten Sales,” and a noon service in an Evangelical church is very rare. The Holy Spirit bore witness with my young spirit in those quiet hours. I remember the events fondly now and pray my children and grandchildren will follow in a meaningful, life-shaping tradition.

In this context, I invite you to ponder with me the words of Apostle Paul, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14) Resurrection Day is meaningless, and salvation is impossible without the cross.

Pat and are searching to find services we can attend tonight and tomorrow. We will dedicate the days to pursuing the way of the cross and its application in our lives. We pray that you will also.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.