So much happened on the Thursday before Jesus' crucifixion that it's impossible to discuss it in depth with just one post. The morning started with Jesus sending Peter and John to Jerusalem, instructing them concerning the location where they would partake in the Passover meal.

On Thursday evening after sunset, Jesus and the disciples entered the upper room that had been prepared for them. Jesus began by washing the disciples' feet. This demonstration of love and humility served as an example to the disciples. "And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13: 14-15)

After this, Jesus and the disciples gathered around the table to eat the Passover meal. Jesus took both the bread and cup and blessed them. I feel sure the disciples didn't fully understand all Jesus was saying to them as he said, " Take this and eat it, for this is my body," and concerning the cup, "Each of you drink from it for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many."

It was during this meal that Jesus indicated that Judas would betray him. Jesus also told Simon Peter, "I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."

After this, Judas got up and left to carry out his betrayal. It was then that Jesus said to the remaining disciples: "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (John 13: 34-35)

This commandment is why we often refer to this day as , 'Maundy Thursday.' The word, 'maundy,' is derived from the Latin word, 'mandatum,' which means mandate or commandment. It was on Thursday Jesus gave us a new mandate, or commandment: To love one another as Jesus loves us.

Jesus spent his last Thursday showing love....washing the feet of his friends, feeding them, teaching them, and giving them all the preparation he could before his death. Jesus taught us that love is an action word.