The Good Example

I try each year to be a better informed Christian. As Holy Week comes around, I want to learn more about it. This week happens to be the most significant time in our Christian lives. Today is Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper for Jesus and his disciples. I'm not familiar with Jewish traditions and holidays. But, because Jesus was Jewish and was brought up among the Jewish people, his life was filled with those feasts and celebrations. Therefore, our Hoy Week is structured around some of those Jewish traditions.

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem prior to Jewish Passover, became the first day of our Holy Week. Palm Sunday is celebrated with palms, as they were waved over Jesus as he was welcomed into the city. The entire week is full of significant events that led up to Easter Sunday. Thursday evening was when Jesus brought his disciples to the upperroom for their Passover meal. He also gave them their final instructions, so to speak, as he knew that he was to be leaving them soon.

At that time, he tried to tell them how much they meant to him, and the awesome job they had ahead. But, more than that, he showed them their assignment through one simple act. During the meal, he removed his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured a basin of water and began washing each of their feet. (John 13) This was a difficult thing for the twelve to have thier master doing such a thing. Peter even responded that "No, you shall never wash my feet". Jesus explained to Peter and the rest that by doing this for them, they should now be willing to wash each other's feet. He set the example of a servant to them, as they now were to be servants to others.

Jesus, at that time, had so much to tell his disciples before his time was nearing to an end. He then predicted some of the things that would happen in the days to come and promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit. But, the final thought he left with them was to love one another. Serving each other and loving one another. I hope we can at least get that from Jesus' final teachings on Maundry Thursday.

It looks to be a beautiful day today in Scott County. I've already watched many deer walk up the hill out back. It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope you get to spend special family time together with loved ones. I look forward to more reflection tomorrow and Saturday and a lot of celebration on Sunday. Have a great day, luv, Susan